Become a CEO, live in a three-story house, retire early—you’ve got big dreams. And you should! Whether you want to graduate a semester early, get your master’s degree, or land a competitive job right out of college, the sky truly is the limit. However, these major aspirations can also be a little overwhelming to think about: Where do you even start? How do you get from graduate to CEO?
That’s where setting realistic goals comes in. It’s not about squashing your dreams; setting realistic goals means making those big aspirations easier to achieve by breaking each larger goal into smaller, realistic steps or “mini-goals.” This makes those dreams less overwhelming and helps you measure your progress through milestones that you check off on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. For instance, if you want to start your own business, begin by outlining all of the supporting goals that are involved. This can include learning how to write a business plan, considering startup expenses, crafting a saleable elevator pitch, and branding your concept. Accomplishing each smaller task keeps you on the path to attaining that bigger dream.