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Vinod Sharma

Please don’t repeat my goal-setting mistakes.

Published over 1 year ago • 4 min read

I have created big goals for my life, only to forget them later.

I have done that over & over.

For example, I created a two years plan to write my book, a five years plan to build a real estate portfolio, and a plan to start an Amazon FBA dropship business. It feels wonderful to make these plans but awful when you don’t follow through and accomplish them.

I learned that every time I make big plans, I waste all my energy on planning instead of taking meaningful actions.

Small daily actions are effective for achieving any goal.

We overcomplicate the decisive life-changing steps.

The pile of everything you want to do to shift the trajectory of your life feels like a mountain. It can freeze you to pick your next goal. So list everything that is going on in your life and pick 2–3 goals to work on. Convert those goals into daily actions and take those daily steps to accomplish your goals.

It is that simple.

Today, I am going to tell you exactly how to do this using my quarterly goal-setting framework.

I used the following principle while building my Quarterly Planning Workbook 📔.

  1. Simplicity
  2. Clarity
  3. Focus
  4. Daily actions

Let’s dive in,

#1. Keep it simple.

It is crucial to keep things simple so that your focus is on the problem.

For example, a pen and paper are one of the best approaches to making your plans, while a fancy app can distract you.

That’s why I used a pen & paper approach while building my quarterly goal-setting framework. Meaning you can follow all the planning efforts on paper. You don’t need a fancy app to follow the steps to select your quarterly goals and manage your day.

A fancy app can distract you.

There are several incredible applications to help you with the planning and execution of your goals. Many to-do lists have AI (artificial intelligence) built in. Their purpose is to make you productive & effective. But they also come with new learning, diverting your attention from your primary goal of learning about yourself.

Technology is incredible when you are ready to use it.

Once you have clarity, finding a tool to fit your need is nimbler.

The quarterly Planning Workbook is built using the Notion App.

Notion is a compelling application.

It is a free and beginner-friendly app that works on all platforms and syncs your information for free. I started using Notion about 6–8 months ago and instantly became a fan.

The quarterly planning workbook uses Notion pages which are very simple to use.

You can also print Notion pages to do the exercises on paper.

Caution, Notion can get super complicated.

You can build sophisticated functionalities and workflows using Notion. You can manage your entire life using it. Some people have constructed sophisticated Notion templates.

Avoid the temptation to get distracted by app features.

Focus on clarifying what you want to achieve next quarter and why. Then make super specific and define your actions and outcome.

#2. Clarity

Goals are tremendous but mean nothing if you don’t have a strong why behind them.

Your discipline to follow through comes from clarifying the underlying reason for those goals.

Work on that clarity/Why first.

#3. Focus

It would be best to list everything in your life and then pick only 2–3 goals for a quarter.

Your ability to work on these goals comes from the time and energy remaining from everything else in your life. Most people don’t have the luxury to 100% focus on their goals. Some have full-time jobs, families, kids, and other commitments.

So commit to what you can handle along with other things.

You need an hour or two of focus time daily to work on what matters most.

The easiest method to create an extra hour is to wake up an hour early. Alternative ways include cutting your entertainment, such as watching TV and aimlessly scrolling on your phone and laptop.

Mindful multitasking is another approach in which you listen to audiobooks or tutorials while doing your house chores, walking, driving, or sitting in the passenger seat.

Remember, your work and kids know how to get your time, but only you are responsible for your goals.

#4. Daily actions.

Goals are achieved using daily actions. Without actions, nothing happens.

You can have well-planned goals and outcomes, but it means nothing if you do not take action. A good strategy only works if you take consistent action. That’s why I emphasize converting your goals into steps and daily activities.

By breaking your goals into action items, you will get tremendous clarity on what you must do to accomplish your goals.

There are several strategies to apply when it comes to taking consistent action. The best one is to build a habit by taking daily steps. When you turn your efforts into habits, you get consistency.

That's a wrap!!

So, please don’t repeat my mistakes.

Don’t make plans without clarity, focus and daily actions.

Don’t lose your precious time & energy on fancy apps.

Keep your goal-setting very simple.

Remember, goals are achieved using daily actions. Without actions, nothing happens.

Your Friend,
Vinod

Get a FREE copy of my Quarterly Planning Workbook 📔

[Direct link, no sign-up is required]

It is a goal-setting framework to plan & achieve your significant goals in just three months to dramatically level up and build your fulfilling career one quarter at a time.

It is entirely free, and you can get your FREE copy at https://quarterlyplanningworkbook.com.​


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Vinod Sharma

I guide aspiring developers to amplify their online presence, get noticed, and unlock exciting career opportunities. Let’s elevate your tech journey. I talk about career tips, tech trends & time management. 24 years in tech.

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