Set Goals in the Middle | Scott H Young

Any goal or project will usually have these basic qualities:

• A general ambition or motivation. (e.g. learn French)
• A specific target. (e.g.  speak fluently)
• A time-frame or deadline. (e.g. in 6 months)
• Constraints or methods. (e.g. practicing every day)
• Overall impression of effort/time required. (e.g. a few hours per week of moderate effort)
  

A goal is then a group of different features that get bundled together. Some are necessary, others are optional, and some are better to postpone.

When a goal has high uncertainty as to what level is achievable to reach within a particular time-frame, it is better to set specific targets in the middle of the process.

Plan your goals with the variables you do have: overall direction, time-frame, level of effort and strategies.