The Leaders Playbook: Incremental changes over time

At the beginning of each year, we often sit down to set out audacious goals that are well intended but for a multitude of reasons we don’t reach them. Over time that can make a big negative impact on us. Goal setting is a good thing – not reaching them is not so good.

Over the years I’ve certainly set my fair share of audacious goals – many that I did not reach. A few years back I changed my approach.

To give me the best probability of reaching my goal I now take the important step of building smaller incremental “en route” plans that ensure that I remain on a positive trajectory toward reaching my ultimate goals. Building realistic, measurable, and attainable mid-points on my journey has been a game changer for me. Small incremental wins, delivered every day, make all the difference.

Good luck – and get after it.

The Author is currently serving as an active-duty military officer. Any comments or recommendations on this post or on this site are solely and expressly my personal views and do not represent the position of any branch of the United States Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.