goal setting = goal scoring

Big projects are more difficult than small ones.  That seems logical, right?  However, these projects are not only more difficult because of their size and the time it takes to complete them.  Big projects can also be hard to tackle, because they are typically not just one big task but rather a culmination of smaller ones.  The problem with tasks like these is that they have many parts and pieces that can distract and take away from the bigger task at hand.  Think of it like a puzzle.  When you get too concerned with fitting pieces together based on their shape, you lose site of the bigger picture that may help you solve the puzzle faster.  It is like the saying, “Don’t miss the forest for the trees.”

As I tackle my winter break to do list over the next couple of weeks, I will be employing a new scheduling technique about which I recently read.  This technique boasts increases in productivity, focus, and completing of tasks through goal setting.  The idea is that by setting smaller goals on a weekly basis, schedulers will be able to chip away at bigger projects while keeping the overarching task in mind.  This helps to keep us focused, on schedule, and conscious of our ultimate goal.

Because it works best on large projects and tasks, goal setting is the perfect technique to apply to a to do list that has developed over time.  The items on a to do list like this are usually general and vague, which makes them hard to finish because the plans to complete them are typically equally as vague.  By setting goals that chip away at this task you can guarantee that it will be dealt with in a systematic way instead of a chaotic one.  This organization means crossing more tasks off of your list faster.

So you have your winter to do list and some big projects, but how exactly do you go about setting goals?  I like to think of this process in terms of a tree diagram.  The big task goes on tops, but then branches out into two or three somewhat smaller tasks, which in turn break down into smaller ones.  This process repeats until the most basic tasks, of which there may be several, are at the bottom of the diagram.  Consider, for instance, the task to prepare for the upcoming semester.  This big project can be broken down into several sub-tasks, for example clean up from last semester, make sure registration is complete, and get supplies.  Each of these tasks can also be broken down further: clean out desk, clean out computer files, pay tuition, print out schedule, get valid school ID, get new clothes for the semester, buy new notebooks and pencils, order textbooks online.  Some of these tasks can even be broken down further, resulting in a chain of tasks that leads back up to the overarching goal. 

The first part of goal setting is making this diagram and knowing this chain because these sub-goals will be used from week to week to make sure you are on schedule.  For instance, keeping with the previous example, the first week of vacation might be dedicated to the first sub-task of cleaning up from last semester.  During this week each day could be dedicated to a sub-task of this, and each week this process repeats. 

The second part of goal setting is much simpler but even more important.  Keep your weekly goals in a place that you will see them.  Being constantly reminded of the bigger picture is one of the key reasons that this technique works.  By being aware of the purpose of the smaller tasks you will be better equipped to tackle them, more focused on your work, and more motivated to keep chipping away at the big project.  For me, keeping track of my overarching projects means keeping post-its in my planner that remind me of what the tasks for the week are, as well as those for the entire break.  Looking at these reminders constantly helps me to organize how I will tackle them, which is sometimes half the battle of finishing them.

This week help yourself focus on your to do list by setting goals for yourself.  The feeling of accomplishment that accompanies completing a large task is a great one, so do not be intimidated by big projects.  Tackle that winter break to do list head on, and click here for your two minutes of procrastination.

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