Most of us have goals. We have an idea of what we would like our futures to look like. It’s human nature, at least I believe it is, to visualize where it is we hope to end up. What is not so innate, however, is our ability to get to those destinations. Sometimes the paths to our goals are clear. Most of the time, however, there is nothing obvious about the process. And if you’re like me, hoping to achieve things few others have attempted, the path can be even harder to envision.
I’ve posted here before a few times about backwards scheduling – the process of setting a deadline and planning how to finish a project by working backwards from it. This is the technique that has worked best for me when it comes to class papers and projects at work. It’s also a great technique for planning how to go about attacking a goal. Start with the end and work backwards.
I was recently able to take part in a strategic planning brainstorm session at the non-profit where I work part-time, Echoing Green. I presume this kind of session is common to anyone running a non-profit, or for-profit for that matter. It goes like this: First, define the vision – the future one would like to see. Then, define the mission – what one does in general terms that brings about this future. From here get more specific by explaining a theory of change. This is basically a more specific version of one’s mission and how this mission brings him or her to the vision. There can be several more specific iterations of the theory of change. The idea is to move from a grand idea to progressively smaller and more narrow actions until you defines the things you do on a day-to-day basis that bring about the vision.
Sure, this sort of strategic planning is designed for businesses, but why limit it to such? Why not use this very effective method to get to achieve the vision you have of your own future. Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you plan on getting there? What will you do to facilitate this? Now, keep going. Keep asking yourself more specific questions until you can answer: what do you do today to start this process?
This week take some time out of your busy schedule to really think about how you are moving toward your goals. Think about the steps it will take to get there. Think about the roadblocks in the way and how to overcome them. And think about the things you do day-to-day and how they factor into the bigger picture. Be strategic now, and you will get to where you want to go later.
Click here for your – okay it’s about 5 – minutes of procrastination.
John Jay Balancing Act 
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