Set incremental goals

For designers on the path to leadership, learning how to set and increment goals effectively is key. Dividing larger projects into smaller, manageable parts not only makes them more approachable but also allows for the celebration of progress, boosting confidence. Here are several strategies to enhance your goal-setting skills:

• SMART goals: This stands for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Crafting your goals with these criteria in mind ensures they are clear, trackable, realistic, aligned with broader objectives, and achievable within a set timeframe.^[1]
• Rule of 5: Select 5 specific actions that propel you toward your goal, leveraging the resources you have. These actions should either push your goal forward or offer clarity on what to do next. Keeping to just 5 tasks at a time helps avoid feeling overwhelmed. Once these are completed, evaluate your progress and plan your next steps.
• Anti-goal setting: Focus on identifying potential obstacles to your goals, such as resource shortages or excessive meetings, and establish guidelines to circumvent these issues. This proactive approach centers on preventing setbacks, keeping you aligned with your ultimate objectives.^[2]