Many goals and projects start off with a question that needs to be answered.
How can we provide a better customer experience?
Why haven't we upgraded that server still running Windows Server 2008?
Can we make this better?
What should I do to advance my career?
I am by nature an inquisitive person. One of my greatest strengths (and ironically...greatest weaknesses) is that I really, really like to know HOW things work and WHY something is done a certain way. On one hand, this has led me to gaining a deeper understanding of processes, procedures, and workflows which allows me to provide better support and have greater empathy. On the other hand...this has led to some not-so-friendly confrontations as I stray too far outside of my scope and step on toes along the way. It's a fine balance between being diligent and inquisitive and overzealous and rash.
I have found that questions are the best way to start figuring out your goals and help guide the planning process.
Goals define general intent and ambitions...which by nature can be a bit lofty or nebulous. This natural complexity often means that Goals are achieved over a longer period of time. Goals can then be broken down into objectives or milestones that help mark progression.
One standard of Goal-setting is the SMART system.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant / Realistic
Time Based
I built a handy-dandy infographic HERE that breaks down what sorts of questions can help you create a SMART goal.
Let's use one of my past goals for example.
I wanted to know what types of training there were available for becoming a Project Manager. So I found several courses and learning paths that would lead to certifications demonstrating understanding of core concepts. One of these courses was the Google Project Management Professional Certificate on Coursera (more on this later). Using the SMART system, I made the following goal:
I will complete the Google Project Management Professional Certificate by the end of Summer 2022 by completing at least one module a month.
Let's break it down. I was specific in stating exactly what I was setting out to do. I could measure my progress by module completions. It is attainable if I complete the modules. It is relevant to my goals of becoming a Project Manager and realistic in that I would only hold myself accountable to one module a month. Could I go faster given the time and energy? Of course! But life happens and I allowed some wiggle room if the unexpected occurred. Finally, I gave myself a due date which makes this time based.
To learn more about Goal setting and the SMART system here are a few unaffiliated links:
PMI Learning Library