Design your short term goal

My next step is to create a short-term plan that will help move you toward independence."What can I do today, this week, or this month about that goal?" The answer to this question is my Short-term Goal: "This month I will investigate what kinds of jobs might give me greater independence." This Short-term Goal now gives me a concrete and specific set of tasks to accomplish in the immediate future. Once I set my Short-term Goal, I will always have some positive tasks to direct your actions.

Let's say that after a month of exploring options, I will take another step closer to my goal: "I think there is room in this city for a word-processing service. With my experience I know what it takes to provide quality typing to customers. I think I am capable of managing a small staff of typists. But I don't know much about business." I set my next Short-term Goal: "I'll take a 'small business' course at night this fall at the technical college." Now I have a distinct focus. I must select the best course, register, buy the materials, attend class each week, complete my homework assignments, and so forth.

It is far easier to motivate yourself when your goal is almost within reach. Small decisions can now seem important, because they influence your immediate-future goals. If you have difficulty applying yourself to your studies because owning your own business seems so far in the future, then set your Short-term Goal closer to your reach: "By the end of this course I want to be able to say that I applied myself every week to complete the assignments of that week. Therefore, I will start by finishing my paper due this Friday."

This is the process to use in overcoming panic. For instance, some people might have the positive goal of "looking forward to the adventures of life without fearing panic." You will reach that goal by setting dozens of small goals, one after the other. As you accomplish one Short-term Goal you will set your sights on the next.