Question

How to Set a Goal
See It:
The motivation of a vision
Start with a mental picture of something you desire in the future.
Example: Steve Jobs envisioned personal electronic devices that could help people.

State It:
The strength of a goal
Decide what you will do specifically to move toward that mental picture.
Example: At age 20, Steve Jobs and a friend decided to set up a venture he called “Apple” in his parents’ garage.

Start It:
The power of an action
Take the first step toward your goal.
Example: Steve Jobs sold his car for $1350 so he’d have the money he needed to start Apple.

Personal Goal Setting
See It:
List three mental pictures of what you would like to accomplish sometime in the future:

State It:
Select one mental picture and turn it into a goal that you are willing to work towards this year:


Start It:
What can you do right now to get started on reaching your goal?

Answer 1

Here’s a simple filled-in example and a short how-to so you can use the template for your own goals.

See It — three mental pictures (examples)
- A healthier me: running a 10K comfortably, with more energy and sleeping better.
- Independent work: running a small freelance design business with steady paying clients and a professional portfolio.
- Confident presenter: speaking on stage at an industry event and answering audience questions without nerves.

State It — pick one and turn it into a goal (SMART)
Chosen picture: Independent work — freelance design business.
Goal (SMART): Within 12 months, launch a freelance design business and sign 3 paying clients, earning at least $2,000/month by month 12. I will have a basic website/portfolio, pricing packages, and outreach systems in place.

Start It — immediate first steps you can do right now
1. Clarify offer (30–60 min): write a one-sentence elevator pitch and list 3 services you’ll offer.
2. Choose portfolio pieces (1–2 hours): pick 2–3 best past projects or create quick sample projects to showcase.
3. Set up a simple online presence (today/this week): buy a domain or create a portfolio on a site like Behance, Carbonmade, Squarespace, or a one-page site.
4. Outreach plan (this week): make a list of 20 potential leads (past contacts, local businesses, LinkedIn connections) and draft a short outreach message. Commit to contacting at least 5 this week.
5. Schedule and track: block 2 hours on your calendar this week for portfolio/website work and create a simple tracker (clients contacted, replies, calls, revenue) to review weekly.

Quick tips for keeping momentum
- Break the year goal into monthly milestones (e.g., website month 1, 20 leads month 2, 1 client month 4, etc.).
- Celebrate small wins and adjust if needed.
- Review progress weekly and set the next week’s 1–3 priorities.

If you want, tell me one mental picture from your life and I’ll turn it into a specific goal and a concrete first-step plan you can start today.