There were a few times in my life where I would make lists of goals that need to be accomplished, whether it was a daily to-do list or a weekly to do list. When I moved, I found a list of goals I created for myself to become a better graphic designer. Needless to say, I forgot all about it. I didn’t follow my goals and I didn’t become a better graphic designer. I read over the list and realized that had I followed those steps I wrote down, I’d probably be a very successful designer. 

Upon that realization, I came to the conclusion that I had success on the brain but I wasn’t taking the necessary steps in order to achieve it. I wanted success to fall into my lap. I didn’t want to work hard and follow a timeline in order to achieve my goals. I realized that without structure I would get nowhere. Since the time I created my graphic design goal list, I have become a better graphic design artist but with no real structure and timeline, I haven’t really achieved the success I want.

Success in itself should not be your goal. Achieving success is impossible without actually setting goals and achieving them. Success is the product of achieving a goal, not a goal itself.

1. Look at the big picture. What is it you ultimately want to achieve? Write this down on a sheet of paper. Write all your goals down! Make sure your goals are specific. “I am going to be a lawyer” is much more specific than “I am going to be successful.” By writing it down you are setting a goal.
2. Break your main goal down into smaller goals. Create specific, realistic goals to achieve the bigger picture. Including short term goals sets a timeline to achieve your long term goals. What are the steps you need to take in the next few months in order to achieve your goal?
3. Make sure your goals are realistic and measurable. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting daily goals that you can’t accomplish yet. Break your goals down as far as you can and figure out what the very first step is to accomplishing them. After the first step, do the second step, etc.
4. Set up a reward program for yourself. Upon accomplishing a goal, give yourself a treat. Don’t allow yourself to do any rewarding activities until you complete your goals. This helps by giving you more motivation to complete the tasks at hand.
5. Don’t give up! Always think of the bigger picture. Think of why you set the goals you are trying to achieve and use that as motivation to keep going!