Published August 6, 2024 · 5 min read

One thing I've learned over the years is that humans naturally don't have a long-term mindset. Without clear goals, it's easy to lose track of what we want to achieve. Defining goals helps us stay focused and committed. It also often feels easier to follow steps rather than blindly trying to achieve our aspirations.

On that note, a personal anecdote comes to mind. Last two years, my friend Ender Demirkaya and I set a goal to publish a Software Engineering Handbook. As you might have guessed, the very idea of publishing a book is overwhelming. But, we got through it. We broke it down into smaller, manageable milestones, we made it more approachable:

1. Research and Outline: The first step was to find areas or things that we wanted to write about. This was mostly brainstorming exercise over weeks and months as well as interviewing people around.
2. Writing and Review: Next, we set a goal to write one or two topics each week. Boy, it took more time than expected. Then, we did this peer editing thing, which was really hard, but we managed to do it in the end.
3. Final Edits and Publishing: The final step was to compile the chapters, make necessary edits, and prepare the manuscript for publishing. 

Breaking down the goal of publishing the Software Engineering Handbook into these clear milestones made the process much more manageable. 

Why Setting Clear Goals Matters

We can philosophize about why goals matter, but my perspective is very practical. It's about clarity, motivation, measurement and lastly overcoming complexity.

Clarity

Goals provide a clear direction. We often have a hard time focusing on what truly matters. In the process of setting goals, we can eliminate ambiguity and ensure that every action is purposeful and aligned with our objectives.
For example, I set a personal goal to post 20 articles on my blog each year. It’s a challenging target, but it gives me a clear focus. Breaking it down into smaller goals - like writing an article every two weeks - makes it more manageable and keeps me on track.

Motivation

Goals give us something to strive for. They provide a sense of purpose and drive. It really helps everyone to stay committed even when things get tough. That’s why applications have streaks to keep people coming back to the app. They don’t want to ruin their streak. Same goes with goals if they are set properly.
I observed this with my teams as well. When they set their own goals, they are more motivated and committed. Everyone has different needs, so I ask them to choose their own goals, with my guidance to help them refine and focus their objectives.

Measurement

With defined goals, we can track our progress and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing feedback loop is vital. If something isn’t measured, then it’s hard to see the progress.
For instance, with my blog writing goal, I can measure my progress by the number of articles posted and adjust my schedule if I’m falling behind. This kind of feedback is crucial for staying on course. As of writing this post, I’m at 11, this is making it to 12. 

Managing Complexity

Goals break down complex tasks into manageable steps. Often, we often see big projects daunting but with goals they become more approachable and achievable.
When launching new projects, I ask people to set clear, smaller goals that guide the project step by step. Sometimes, I ask for smaller goals e.g. milestones within the project timeline. 

Types of Goals

There are many types of goals one can set. My pragmatic approach to goal setting focuses on three major key areas for both my direct reports and myself as follows.

Project/Scope Goals

These goals are related to specific projects or tasks. They are usually time-bound and focused on delivering a particular outcome.

Example: "Finish developing the new push notifications feature by the end of Q4."

Skill Goals

These goals focus on personal or professional development. They involve learning new skills or improving existing ones.

Example: "Become proficient in Kubernetes by completing two courses and passing the CKA exam within six months."

Out of Comfort Zone Goals

These goals push you beyond your usual boundaries, fostering growth and resilience.

Example: "Deliver a speech at an industry conference by the end of the year"

Smart Goals

Setting Goals Regularly

I recommend setting goals on a quarterly and yearly basis. The regular cadence helps maintain momentum:

• Quarterly Goals: These short-term targets offer immediate objectives and quick wins that keep motivation high.
• Yearly Goals: These long-term goals guide overall direction and strategy, aligning with broader visions and aspirations. 

How to Set Goals

There are a few ways to set goals but the most helpful way I found so far is the SMART method. I’m pretty sure you already know what it’s but here what it stands for:

• Specific: Clearly defined and unambiguous.
• Measurable: Has a way to measure progress.
• Achievable: Realistic and doable.
• Relevant: Aligned with broader objectives or goals.
• Time-bound: Has a clear deadline.

Setting goals is a sport that we should all play. It makes growth manageable. For instance, aiming to write an article every two weeks might seem tough, but it becomes more manageable when broken down into daily or weekly tasks. In essence, defining and setting goals is a powerful practice that drives success and fulfillment.