I have a pretty big goal, which I refer to as “the dream.” That dream is: No bosses.
People are asking me how I plan to survive since I left my “real job” to pursue my writing. Particularly interested parties include my roommate, who will be in a bind if I am unable to pay the rent, and my family, who will have to deal with me when I come to them for a roof if I end up homeless.
I’m not terribly worried about my chances for success. I know the key is to approach your big big goals like a bunch of small goals and consistently knock them out one at the time. Step by step.
One of my favorite books for how to achieve goals is The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results
Keller’s assertion that you should be extremely focused in tackling your goals one at the time actually weighed on my decision to turn down more than generous offers from my old director to return to work. Trying to divide my attention between both a 9-to-5 and my ONE thing would inhibit my success.
One of the most important things preached about setting goals, no matter what source your reading, is that goals should have a time frame and actionable steps you can take in order to achieve them. I’ve read the gospel of actionable goals 1,000 times in a lot of different books but I really like the way Mr. Keller broke it down in his book, which he refers to as “goal setting to the now.”
Goal setting to the now involves setting a big goal off in some distant future, your “someday goal” (this doesn’t have to be specific) then backing up to the present using more specific shorter-term goals.
I had the book open beside me and I took out my little notebook and scribbled down my goals in the way that Keller instructed and I think it really helped in making my big big goals feel more attainable.
My goals below are examples for the readers. I did try to quantify them to get you thinking, though.
Here’s how I arranged my goal setting to the now:
First I set a someday goal…
What’s the one thing I want to do someday?
No bosses; obtain total independence from the rat race (the 9-5 grind) via livable earnings from passive income.
Based on my someday goal, what’s the ONE thing I can do in the next five years?
Create passive income via a steady blog readership, investments, and several published works; $3,000/month.
Based on my five year goal, what’s the ONE thing I can do this year?
Sell my first novel when it releases in April, sell my novella, The Selfie Princess
Based on my one year goal, what’s the ONE thing I can do this month?
Write at least two blog posts per week to build awareness of my brand, my dream, and to grow my network. Interact with other bloggers on their platforms. Get involved in online forums and discussions. With only ten days left in the month and no real revenue generating activity, it would be nice to figure a way to earn $1 from all99life.com.
Based on my monthly goal, what’s the ONE thing I can do this week?
Put out at least two blog posts. Respond to every single person who reaches out to me. Build relationships with my audience. Figure out where my niche gathers and interacts online.
Based on my weekly goal, what’s the ONE thing I can do today?
Queue up new content. Write down every thought I have that may be content material. Reply to to readers. Post to my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Based on my daily goal, what’s the ONE thing I can do right now?
Write something of value to my readers. Stay driven. Keep a positive attitude and open mind. Smile. Be grateful.
And there you have it! That’s how I get from my big big goal of “no bosses” down to writing this very article.
Take care of the small ONE-things and the rest will fall into place.
As always, I would love to hear your feedback! Comments start a dialogue and shares spread the word. You can do both below 
Again, here is the link to Gary Keller’s book: The ONE Thing
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