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Are you looking to set and achieve some serious goals? If so, you’ll need to start by breaking those goals into smaller, more manageable steps known as micro goals.
Micro-goals are small and achievable goals that can be accomplished in a short amount of time and help you achieve your larger goals. They are also called mini-goals or sub-goals.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of setting micro-goals and learn how creating micro goals successfully using a simple four steps process, will help you grow in your personal and business life.
Micro-goal-setting has saved my sanity, and I’m confident it can help you too. There are tons of benefits to micro-goal-setting. Here are a few:
1. Keeps You Motivated
Micro-goals provide the motivation and momentum you and your team need to keep moving forward. When organized and managed daily, you’ll quickly see significant improvement in how things are moving forward and how everyone is more satisfied with the results.
2. It keeps you grounded in the present
Daydreaming about the future is inevitable and can be inspiring. But in excess, it’s a productivity-killer. The easiest way to waste your time is to think about the future without taking action in the present. Setting micro-goals helps you focus on what you should be doing now to get you to later.
3. It prevents you from feeling overwhelmed
There’s a saying that if your dream doesn’t scare you, you are not dreaming big enough. I can get with that. But, on the other hand, if your dream scares you, that means you have fear. Although fear is normal, it can be overwhelming. The fear of embarrassment. The fear of failure. The fear of SUCCESS…
Micro-goal settings can help overcome those fears.
4. It gives you a sense of accomplishment
One of the best parts of a to-do list is crossing stuff off it! Why?
I’m not a psychologist, but I do know it feels great! So even if I forget to write something on my to-do list, I’ll write it down so I can mark it as DONE.
A confidence boost never hurts anyone, and that’s exactly what you get each time you achieve one of your micro-goals.
5. It Makes You Feel Capable
This goes back to the fear that comes along with having a lofty mega-goal. You may feel like you can’t possibly achieve what you want to achieve.
Could I really open my own shop? Can I really grow my side hustle to the point where you make a full-time income? Could I really start an online business?
Yes, you can! And you’ll feel like you can accomplish your mega-goal once you start crushing your micro-goals.
6. It helps you manage multiple goals at once
7. It helps you prioritize and stay organized
Micro-goals help you keep track of what needs to be done and when. So instead of focusing on things that aren’t as urgent or important at the time, you can set up your micro-goals to help you focus on the most pressing.
Think of a micro-goal as the first of many small steps you’ll take to reach your larger goals. Micro-goals are useless if they are not realistic and managed measurably, including details and due dates. These steps will ensure you’re successful with your micro-goals.
Before that, you need to know why you want to achieve a particular goal. If you have no real reason for wanting to achieve it, then it’s not likely to happen.
For example, if you want to get better at blogging, you need to know why. Why is it important to you? Why do you want to become a better blogger?
Once you know your WHY, you can then figure out the how. In our example, if you want to learn to become a blogger, you need to know what you want to achieve, so you need to identify the skills you need to develop and the knowledge you need to acquire.
The first thing to do is to tie your micro-goal to your long-term goals. This will help you set and achieve your micro goals. Start by selecting your long-term goals and give them a due date. Now, break these into micro goals that will help you achieve the end result. Each micro-goal has its tasks and due date.
Invest a few minutes each evening and each morning to review your micro goals and set relevant tasks to achieve these goals. Try to pick the most important 2-3 tasks for each day and close time slots on your calendar for each task. I review this in the evening and morning because plans change, and I like to be prepared for my day to ensure things are getting done and goals are achieved.
Now, here are the 4 simple steps to creating successful micro goals:
1. Focused on one goal at a time
Yes, I’ve mentioned that micro-goals can help you get better results in several goals. However, that doesn’t mean you can do it all simultaneously. So, when you plan your next steps and daily tasks, ensure you’re focused on one task at a time.
Set the time on your calendar and cut off all those notifications and other distractions.
2. Continually Evaluate And Adjust Your Goals
Plans change. There are always new surprises that pop up. That’s why you should constantly evaluate your goals and mini goals. On top of setting a few minutes each morning and evening to review and plan your daily tasks, I recommend setting aside 1-2 hours, twice a were, to evaluate and make changes to your target and visualize your long-term goals and micro-goals. Use a list, paper, sketching app, decision tree, or any other method that works for you.
This is also the time to review your progress and tap yourself on the shoulders for the great work and progress you’re making.
3. Break It Up Into Manageable Chunks
Break your larger goal down into micro-goals, and break micro-goals into manageable chunks, which will become your daily tasks. To make this work, try to estimate the time and resources required for each task, based on past experience.
4. Use a Tasks Management Tool
There are many great tools to manage your projects, tasks, goals, and daily work. Choose the one that works for you. Some have many features, and some have fewer tools but are more simple to learn and use. Pick whichever one that makes you feel comfortable and get the work done. Make sure the platform lets you manage projects, and tasks, set due dates with reminders, and develop and track tasks and goals.
I personally tried almost all the tools in the market, and there are many great platforms to choose from.
Eventually, I picked ClickUp. The essential task management is very simple to learn and use, but I like it since it’s extremely flexible and offers endless possibilities.
Step 1 - Why do you wish to become a blogger?
Do you love writing? Are you an expert and passionate about sharing knowledge on a blog? Are you looking for a second income?
Step 2 - Set long-term goals
Step 3 - Set micro goals
Let’s break down the first goal – To have a working website in 15 days, here are some goals you need to achieve: (it’s just a partial example)
Step 4 - Set detailed tasks
Let’s take the first micro-goal: Plan the site structure, UX, and UI:
The main thing to remember is that you need to know what you want to achieve and how you want to achieve it. I’m positive that micro-goals will bring significant benefits and efficiency to your life. Just make sure you have your system to select the right goals and micro-goals. Then, pick your tool to manage your daily tasks and track your progress, as seeing the results will keep you motivated.
For some inspiration on how far you can reach, read some growth success stories.
If you found this post interesting, I would recommend you to read an interesting article on HBR – The Power of Small Wins.
