Big goals are exciting—they inspire us to dream big. But they can also feel overwhelming. This is something I grapple with often. Whether it’s getting the motivation to do a task, finishing a project or improving my skills, the hardest part is knowing where to start. Over time, I’ve learned some strategies to help make the process less daunting.
The first step is clarity. Instead of vague goals like “do well in school,” define them specifically. For example, “Raise my math grade from B to A this semester” is clear and measurable. With a well-defined endpoint, it’s easier to create a roadmap.
Next, break the goal into smaller milestones. For instance:
Review past test topics.
Practice problems for 20 minutes daily.
Schedule weekly tutoring sessions.
Each milestone should feel achievable, offering a sense of progress without overwhelm.
Deadlines are crucial but challenging for me. Without them, procrastination is inevitable. Assign deadlines to each milestone. For example:
Week 1: Identify weak topics.
Week 2: Start revising one topic per day.
Stick to the schedule but adjust as needed.
Celebrate small wins. Completing a chapter or mastering a concept is worth acknowledging. Small rewards, like a treat or break, can keep motivation high.
Finally, reflect and adapt. If a step feels too big, break it down further. Adjusting plans is part of the process. Progress isn’t always linear, but moving forward, no matter how small the steps, is what matters.
Big goals are daunting, but breaking them into manageable parts makes them achievable. Start small, and watch the progress build. What’s one goal you’re tackling? Try this approach—you’ll be surprised at how far it takes you.
Allegra Pezzullo
