Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Steps

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Summary

Breaking down goals into manageable steps means dividing large objectives into smaller, actionable tasks. This strategy helps make ambitious targets feel more achievable and keeps you motivated by allowing steady progress and frequent wins along the way.

  • Create mini milestones: Start by listing out smaller tasks or milestones that will guide you toward your overall goal, making each step clear and attainable.
  • Assign clear responsibilities: Make sure each task has a specific owner and timeline so everyone knows what needs to be done and by when.
  • Track and adjust: Regularly review your progress and tweak your action plan if something isn’t working, focusing on celebrating small wins to build momentum.
Summarized by AI based on LinkedIn member posts
  • View profile for Michael Girdley

    Business builder and investor. 12+ businesses founded. Exited 5. 30+ years of experience. 200K+ readers.

    31,804 followers

    Bad goal setting can cripple your business (I know from firsthand experience). Here's how to set goals that propel your business forward. Step 1: Analyze last year’s performance. You can’t set the right goals without the correct information. So, take some time to gather data from the previous year to find areas of strength and weakness. Look at your: Revenue streams — what are your most profitable areas? Your biggest cost centers? Sales & marketing — can you spot trends in customer acquisition or marketing ROI? Operations — where is your business bottlenecked? Where might you be overstaffed? Employee performance — look at productivity and churn. Which direction are things going? — Step 2: Brainstorm areas for improvement. Write down all the possible things you could work on. This is a great group activity for your leadership team or even the whole company (depending on your size). The data you’ve collected in step 1 should give you some idea of opportunity areas. One tip: don’t discount an idea just because it’s hard. Often the biggest impact things are hard to do. But you should be realistic about the effort required to get something done, and its chances of success. — Step 3: Set SMART goals Specific: Define clear and precise goals. Instead of saying "increase sales," say "increase sales by 12% in the next 6 months." Measurable: Ensure each goal has quantifiable metrics. E.g. "Reduce customer acquisition costs by 15% by the end of the year." Achievable: Set realistic goals based on your resources, budget and other constraints. E.g. if you have limited cash, avoid goals that would severely impact your monthly cash flow. Relevant: Align goals with your overall business objectives. Ensure they address the key areas for improvement identified earlier. Time-bound: Set deadlines for each goal. E.g. "launch a new service by Q3." — Step 4: Develop an Action Plan For each goal, create an action plan that outlines: Steps and Milestones: Break down each goal into smaller, manageable tasks. Set milestones to track progress. Resources: Identify the resources needed (time, money, personnel) and ensure they are available. Responsibilities: Assign tasks to specific employees. Ensure everyone understands their role and what is expected of them. Timeline: Establish a timeline with deadlines for each task and milestone. Doubling down on one point there: always assign tasks to a single person. They can still bring in other people to contribute, but it’s one person’s responsibility to get it across the finish line. — Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Goals are not static. Regularly check your progress, and adjust based on new insights or changing circumstances. Schedule monthly and/or quarterly reviews to keep everything on track. Having a simple KPI tracker is a good way to keep tabs on things. Make sure you’re regularly checking in, and ask people to flag any roadblocks or necessary adjustments as soon as they identify them.

  • View profile for James Longley

    8-Figure Founder | Author | FC Owner | Helping Businesses Save and Individuals Earn 💰

    17,372 followers

    Is your route to success deliberately designed or simply desired? We all set goals. Big, sparkling, ambitious goals. Yet, the true magic lies not in listing them but in the systems we devise to achieve them. Goals are the destination; systems are the powerful engines propelling us towards them. Think about it: a goal without a system is like a car without an engine - it’s going nowhere. 🛠️ Creating Effective Systems 1️⃣ Break It Down: Start by breaking down your ultimate goal into smaller, manageable tasks. What can you do daily, weekly, monthly? 2️⃣ Ritualise Your Actions: Convert these tasks into daily rituals. Consistency turns actions into habits, and habits forge the path to goals. 3️⃣ Measure Progress: Establish metrics to track your progress. What gets measured gets managed, and what gets managed gets done. 🔄 Embrace the Journey of Adjustment Your first system might not be perfect, and that’s okay. Systems evolve. The key is to start, iterate, and improve. Each step you refine adds to your growth and gets you closer to your goal. 🔗 The Importance of a Solid Foundation The steps you climb towards your goal are supported by the robustness of your system. Each level up should feel secure and deliberate, not precarious or uncertain. As an entrepreneur who scaled a business to an eight-figure exit, I learned the hard way that without robust systems, even the best goals remain out of reach. My success wasn't just about setting goals but about the daily systems that made achieving them part of my routine. Remember, the best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now. Don’t just set goals; build systems that lead you to them every single day.

  • View profile for Rajesh Tedla

    Founder & CEO | Helping Entrepreneurs and SMBs turn their 6-7-Figure businesses into 8-Figure and 9-Figure Powerhouses | Trusted Advisor | Coach & Transformation Strategist | Board Member | Book a “Growth” session

    7,030 followers

    This might be counterintuitive, but... My business grew exponentially the day I stopped dreaming big. I remember working nonstop, following my “big dream” of success. Because just like you, even I’ve heard it a million times: “Dream big, and the world is yours.” “Follow your dreams, and success will find you.” But here’s the truth: Big dreams, without clear goals, fade into thin air. Sure, it’s inspiring to imagine the future— -> Building a million-dollar business -> Become the best leader Have the most amazing team But the real results come from- >>Actionable, time-bound objectives —especially when you set them early. So, the ideal time for you to set 1-3 years goal as an entrepreneur is - In September to have 4 months to plan, execute, test, modify, and reiterate from the new year itself. Here’s how I set goals for me and my client’s business to grow revenue by 20-50% Annually: ✅ Start with ‘‘What, Why, and How’ What: Identify 1-2 outcomes that matter most- ~ Example: Increase profit margins by 10%. Why: Know why it’s crucial. ~ Example: “To fund team expansion and reduce my workload.” How: Map steps to achieve it. ~ Example: Automate tasks, cut expenses, focus on high-ROI clients. ✅ Align Goals Across Your Team Your team’s goals should sync with the company’s vision. ~ Example: If your target is to grow revenue by $500K, your sales team’s goal might be to close 50% more deals, while operations focuses on streamlining delivery. In my team, my key leader’s goals are aligned with mine. ✅ Break Goals into Quarters Q1: Kickstart execution. Focus on one big move (e.g., hiring, system optimization). Q2-Q3: Monitor progress. Ask: What’s working? What’s not? Adjust before it derails. Q4: Focus on results. This is the sprin Close strong by doubling down on what’s delivering the best ROI. Most of the entrepreneurs I work with, still tend to set goals in the wrong way. So, I ensure to keep their goals on track by: Avoiding vague goals. Instead of “grow the business,” I help them set measurable targets like “add $500K in new revenue.” Peeling off the layers and making them rethink whether the goal is inspiring enough. Simplifying team priorities. Stick to 2-3 clear objectives per department. And if you didn’t set your goal back in September and now feel overwhelmed by the amount of planning left to do with limited time. I get it, balancing current demands while trying to carve out time for forward planning is stressful. Start with this: Focus on your top 3 goals that will have the biggest impact—cutting costs, hiring key roles, or improving customer retention. Take action today. Momentum builds progress. The best time to plan for 2025 was in September. The second-best time? Right now. If you want help mapping your goals to become 35% more profitable in 2025, you can send me a DM.

  • View profile for Nataly Kelly

    CMO at Zappi | ex-HubSpot VP | Harvard Business Review Contributor | Author x 4 | Top 50 CMOs to Watch | Follow me for global leadership advice

    25,540 followers

    When things feel overwhelming, focus on driving MVP: Minimum Viable Progress Big goals can paralyze us. They loom large. They intimidate. They make us question where to even begin. This mental framework helps: MVP — Minimum Viable Progress. It's simple: What's the smallest step forward you can take today? Not the perfect step. Not the complete solution. Just one movement in the right direction. Because here's what I've learned after decades in business: Action creates clarity. Motion defeats overthinking. Progress generates momentum. Small wins fuel bigger ones. And most importantly? Being proactive about taking small steps conditions you and your team. It makes people feel empowered and in control, versus arm-waving and excuse-making, fretting and complaining. When I was scaling teams internationally, and overseeing international operations and strategy for a large public tech company, I could have been overwhelmed by the enormity of entering new markets. Instead, I asked: "What's one small thing we can do today to move forward?" Sometimes it was just a single conversation. Sometimes just a decision point. Sometimes just clarifying the next question. The magic happens when you string tiny steps together. Little by little these actions add up. Before you know it, you're looking back at remarkable progress Having an MVP mindset isn't about lowering your standards. It's about breaking down mountains into manageable hills. The alternative? Analysis paralysis. Perfectionism. Procrastination. Stagnation. Inaction. That's all too common in business. And wow, is it a morale killer. It can derail a culture. Demotivates people. I've seen brilliant strategies die on whiteboards because teams couldn't figure out where to start. I've watched talented individuals stall their careers because they wanted the perfect plan. Your minimum viable progress might be: Making one outreach call Writing one paragraph Taking one meeting Asking one question Sending one email Don't get so distracted by grand visions that you forget the power of consistent small actions. The most successful people I know aren't necessarily the smartest or most talented. They're the ones who keep taking small steps forward. What MVP will you drive today? ♻️ Share if this resonates 👉 Follow me for more advice like this

  • View profile for Bryan Creely

    I help people regain control over their careers and job search. Sign up for my FREE webinar on how to become the CEO of your career. (Follow me on Youtube - A Life After Layoff)

    148,854 followers

    Life is hard. Really hard sometimes. And things can often seem overwhelming, especially when faced with big challenges like job loss. If you feel like you can't handle it and things seem hopeless, try this little mentality shift. It works wonders for me when I'm faced with overwhelmingly stressful situations. ⬇ Make a big-picture plan for what needs to be accomplished. Create the mission statement, then break down the mini-steps needed to achieve it. Write those down. For example, my weekly goal may look like this... Mission: Find a new job after an unexpected layoff Mini step 1: Update resume/cover/LinkedIn profile Mini step 2: Customize 30 job applications this week Mini step 3: Make 10 relevant, new LinkedIn connections/day Mini step 4: Engage on at least 5 posts daily Mini step 5: Identify 1-2 alternative income sources to start Mini step 6: Find a training course to address a skill gap Each day, focus on accomplishing just one of the smaller steps. At the end of the week, grade your progress on the first mini-goal. Then, don't assess how far you need to go. Assess how far you've already COME. Only look at the big goal once per month, so see how you're tracking. Making consistent progress and noting your accomplishments is much more motivating than focusing on the steps still ahead of you. You'll achieve that big goal quickly with a solid plan, consistency, and perseverance!

  • View profile for Prankur Gupta

    SDE II, Amazon | YouTuber | Ex-TCSer | Helping professionals to land their dream job | Mentor | Opinions are personal, I don't represent Amazon

    70,755 followers

    How I Overcame Overthinking and Took Action Toward My Goal We all have goals and dreams we hold close to our hearts. had mine too—a vision that excited me but also scared me because it seemed so far outside my comfort zone. Initially, the fear of failure kept me from taking any action. Before anyone else could doubt me, I became my harshest critic. I convinced myself I wasn't ready or capable, and this self-doubt led to constant anxiety and overthinking. One day, I decided to change my approach. I broke down my goal into smaller, manageable steps and created a 30-day action plan. This turned out to be a complete game-changer. Each day, instead of overthinking, I focused on completing one task. Every task I completed gave me a sense of satisfaction and the motivation to tackle the next day's challenge. Looking back, I realize that all those years of overthinking were wasted. What I really needed was self-belief and a concrete plan of action. So, if you're stuck in a cycle of overthinking, try breaking down your goals into actionable steps. It might just change your life as it did mine.

  • View profile for Dipti Kala

    Business Coach | $10k in 90 Days Challenge | Organic Marketing business Coach | Lead Generation Coach

    10,842 followers

    Three years ago, I set an ambitious goal for my business. I was energized, motivated - and completely overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to start or how to turn my vision into reality. That’s when I stumbled upon the magic of a 90-day action plan. It transformed how I approached growth, and today, It’s a cornerstone of my strategy. Here’s how I break it down: Step 1: Define your destination. What does success look like at the end of 90 days? Be specific: “Increase revenue by 15%” or “Launch a new service.” A vague goal won’t guide you. Step 2: Break it into milestones. Divide your big goal into 3 monthly targets. For instance, Month 1 might focus on research, Month 2 on execution, and Month 3 on refinement. Step 3: Create weekly sprints. Each week, list 3-5 actionable tasks that move you closer to your monthly milestone. Keep them manageable and measurable. Step 4: Evaluate and adjust. Every Friday, review your progress. What’s working? What’s not? Adapt your plan as needed. Growth isn’t magic, it’s methodical. A 90-day plan turns dreams into achievable steps. Have you mapped out your first quarter yet? PS. What’s your big focus for the next 90 days? #Framework #Entrepreneur

  • View profile for Vinay Johar

    CEO RChilli | Top 100 HR Tech Thought Leader | Speaker | Member Forbes Council

    22,082 followers

    Throughout my career, I've relied on this goal-setting method that has consistently proven its worth. It has helped me achieve significant milestones, and I believe it can do the same for you. The GPS framework. 1. Goal: Start by defining your objective. Ask yourself: What is the goal? And back it up with 3Fs. Facts: What measurable outcomes will indicate success? Feelings: How do I expect to feel upon achieving it? Functionality: Why does this goal matter to me? Clear goals provide direction and purpose. According to a study by Dr. Gail Matthews, setting specific goals can increase your chances of success by 42%. 2. Plan: Next, develop a strategy that will guide you towards your goal. Break it down with: Broad Steps: What are the major actions I need to take? Details: What specific tasks need to be accomplished? A well-structured plan can help navigate the complexities of your goal, making it more manageable and achievable. 3. System: Finally, establish a routine to maintain your progress. Consider: Daily/Weekly Actions: What do I need to do regularly to stay on track? Consistency: How can I ensure I follow through? Systems create consistency, and consistency leads to success. James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits, highlights that incremental daily improvements lead to substantial long-term gains. Goal: Where you’re headed. Plan: How you’ll get there. System: How you’ll stay on track. This method has been very helpful for me to transform ambitious goals into actionable steps and sustained progress. Which framework has helped you achieve your recent goals? #gps #framework #goalsetting

  • View profile for Vinod Sharma

    Building my startup to $10k/mo while working full-time, all in 2 hours a day using AI coding. Documenting my journey from employee to founder. I enjoy vibe coding, building products, discussing tech trends and gardening.

    8,979 followers

    Feeling stuck with your SaaS idea? Here’s the tool that changed everything for me. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your SaaS idea, a massive project or a lofty goal, this post is for you. There’s one tool that has transformed the way I approach not just product development but my work and life: the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). At its core, WBS is simple—take a big idea and break it into smaller, manageable pieces. Why? Because it provides clarity and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed. Here’s how I use it in my work: 1. Phases approach: Break the project into stages—design, Development, Testing, and Launch. Each phase then has smaller tasks. 2. Grouping approach: Categorize by areas, like features and then drill down. Here’s a quick application example (using 2nd approach): a SaaS Tools Directory. Level 1: The overall idea (SaaS Tools Directory). Level 2: Major functional areas like Authentication, Tool Discovery, User Interaction, and Tool Submission. Level 3: Specific tasks under each functional area (e.g., Create Login Flow, Display Tool Details, Submit a Review). Level 4: Break down each screen in the login flow. By dividing tasks into bite-sized steps, you’ll get: - Clarity: Know exactly what’s next. - Focus: Avoid overwhelm by tackling one piece at a time. - Progress: See tangible results faster. I use WBS for personal projects, professional work, and even daily tasks. It’s a structured approach that brings order to chaos and helps you move from idea to execution. Feeling stuck on your next big thing? Start with WBS. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. I promise—it works. I am curious—where could you use a WBS in your life? Comment below!👇 (P.S. In the video, I explain how to apply WBS in two styles—traditional and agile—with real-world examples. Don’t miss it!) - Tips for building your own WBS. - The traditional vs. agile styles of WBS. - A real-world example from the SaaS tool directory.

  • View profile for Melanie Towey

    Certified EOS Implementer® | Business Coach | Speaker | Construction | Building Materials | Real Estate | Flooring

    5,638 followers

    A lot of my teams come to me feeling overwhelmed, trying to juggle too many things at once—and when everything feels like a priority, nothing actually gets prioritized. They struggle to separate strategic goals, daily tasks, issues, and team dynamics. Sound familiar? It’s a common challenge and can become very frustrating! So how do you simplify it all? Everyday I work with my clients to break down complex business processes and problems into manageable, bite-sized pieces, giving them more clarity and control over every part of their organization. Think of it like the old saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." So how do we work to break it down? The 1-Year Plan provides the big picture and long-term goals. 90-Day Rocks break those big goals down into actionable, priority tasks that will move the company forward in the short term. 7-Day To-Do’s focus on weekly action steps to keep momentum going and ensure accountability for each task. Issues are the challenges that might stand in the way of executing your plans, and solving them quickly is critical to maintaining progress. By structuring your business priorities this way, you ensure that the team is not only focused on the long-term vision but is also consistently taking actionable steps toward achieving it in manageable chunks "bites of the elephant" Simple isn't easy but simple is worth it! EOS Worldwide

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