THE POWER OF

BABY STEPS:
How to Achieve
TODAY’S OBJECTIVES
Understand keys to success
Learn about goals
Make the connection between
goals and success
Master the concept and use of
Baby Steps
Keys to “Success”
Remember and celebrate your
achievements so far
– Accepted to a major university
– Narrowed field of study to a major
– Identified internship or job
opportunities
More Keys to “Success”
Keep learning from others
– Family & friends
– Informational interviews
– www.roadtripnation.com
– What Should I Do With My Life? (Po
Bronson)
And More Keys to “Success”
Define your next achievement
Create an action plan
Work your plan (just do it)
What is a goal?
Definition?
– The purpose toward which an
endeavor is directed; an
objective.
Examples?
What makes a good goal?

A good goal is SMART

A bad goal is DUMB
S.M.A.R.T. GOALS
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Timeline / Trackable
Specific Goals
I will send out resumes.

Better: I will find 25 accounting

firms in greater Indianapolis and
send each company a resume and
cover letter by November 1st.
Measurable Goals
I want to do well in classes
my last semester.

Better: I want to earn a 3.85

GPA in my last semester.
Attainable Goals
I want to earn my MBA within
6 months year of graduation.

Better: Want to earn my MBA

within five years of graduation.
Relevant Goals
 I want to improve my piano skills before
getting an accounting job.
 Better: I want to improve my public
speaking skills before applying for sales
jobs.
 Goal must also be something you choose
– not something that’s thrust upon you.
Trackable Goals
(Timeline)
Get a job

Better: I will:
– Research at least 20 major companies in my field by
the end of May
– Set up 3 informational interviews in May
– Send out 25 resumes by May 20

Goals are dreams

with deadlines
Diana Scharf Hunt
D.U.M.B. Goals
Dateless
Unsupportive
Muddy
Beyond reach
Choosing Goals
PROJECT yourself forward
LET YOURSELF DREAM
VISUALIZE
Be SPECIFIC
Choosing Goals
Just the first step
Must design AND WORK
an action plan to achieve
your goals
HANDS-ON LEARNING:
SETTING GOALS & MAKING
AN ACTION PLAN
Volunteer
Must be able to take instruction well

Our goal: Get the volunteer to shake

my hand
Action Plan
– Clear instruction
– Clear order
Using Goals: Your Action Plan!
GOAL
GOAL
– GOAL
• GOAL
– GOAL
• GOAL
• Goal
• goal
Fall Goals
 Pick a goal you want to achieve
 Devise an action plan
– Action I’ll take
– Resources I’ll need
– Timeline for completion
– Support that is available to me

 Be SPECIFIC and set a TIME LINE

What obstructs achievement?

Poorly defined goals

Not knowing your weaknesses
Perceived Weaknesses of
Today’s Graduates
The Northwestern Lindquist-Endicott Report, Northwestern University

 Unrealistic expectations
 Poor communication skills
 No practical work experience
 Lack of initiative and workplace ethics
 Minimal understanding of the World of Work
 Inappropriate attitude
 Undesirable personal qualities
 Lack of career direction and goals
What else obstructs
achievement?
Physical obstacles
Knowledge
Skills / Ability
Psychological barriers
Psychological barriers: F.E.A.R.

False Evidence Appearing Real

Common fears:
– Fear of failure
– Fear of success
Use your logic microscope!

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Psychological barriers:
Motivation

Sometimes you “won’t feel like it”

Recognize this & prepare for it
Build and use your support system
PEOPLE WHO HELP
 Friends
 Family
 Advisors
 Counselors
 Mentors
PEOPLE WHO HINDER
 Friends
 Family
 Advisors
 Counselors
 Mentors
PEOPLE WHO HINDER

STAY AWAY FROM

THESE PEOPLE!!!
Psychological barriers: Habits
THINGS I DO I LOVE
(what helps me achieve)
Psychological barriers: Habits
THINGS I DO I LOVE THINGS I DO I HATE
(what helps me achieve?) (what keeps me from doing?)
Psychological barriers: Habits
THINGS I DO I LOVE THINGS I DO I HATE
(what helps me achieve?) (what keeps me from achieving?)

KEEP DOING THESE! WORK ON

CHANGING THESE
HABITS!
 overwhelm
ed
Too much all at once
Unexpected interruptions
Multiple priorities
The Power of Baby Steps

 They directly support a bigger goal

 You have all the resources at hand
 You can finish them in ½ hour or less

A mountain is climbed
a single step at a time.
The Power of Baby Steps
 Look at your goal
 Review the first step in your action
plan
 Does it pass the baby step test?
– Does it directly support a bigger goal?
– Do you have all the resources at hand?
– Can you can finish it in ½ hour or less?
 If not, keep breaking it down!
Your Action Plans
 Examples?
 Questions?
 Don’t forget the Keys To Success!
ENJOY YOUR SUCCESS
(you earned it!)

“There are two things to aim at in

life: first, to get what you want; and,
after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest
of mankind achieve the second.”
Logan Pearsall Smith