I didn't know about it when I entered school 20 years ago, but if I had to pick one thing I learned that was beneficial in computer engineering, it would definitely be Divide&Conquer. This methodology, which states that no matter how big a problem it is can be solved by breaking it into pieces and putting it all together, was applied to various areas of life and was usually successful. Thank goodness it was ~20 years ago. These days, most applications using machine learning would have failed.

In the book called "Bullet Journal" I read today, there is a chapter that explains that big goals are easier to achieve if you break them down.

Bullet Journal

COUPANG

Example of breaking long-term goals into short-term goals

Long-term goal - learn to cook

Possible short-term goals

• learn how to handle a knife

• Learn how to bake and fry (add things to do as you go to learn other methods at the same time)

• Learn how to select fresh vegetables (level up to selecting fruits, meat, poultry, etc.)

• Learn how to cook eggs (plan each task: hard-boiled, scrambled, soft-boiled, omelet)

Essentials of Short-Term Goals

1. The barrier to entry must be low (so you can get started). For example, you don't need to buy an expensive set of chef's knives to learn how to handle knives. All you need is a basic utility knife. Even if you already have it or don't have it, you can buy it with minimal money.

2. The work to be done must be very clearly defined and executable. Knife handling skills can be divided into holding the knife properly, sharpening the knife, peeling the skin, slicing, dicing, and mincing.

3. Time to complete should be short (should be completed within a month, ideally a week or two). By making a salad a few days a week and learning a simple vegetable soup recipe, you can acquire knife skills very quickly.

Following these three rules will ensure that your short-term goals are focused, doable, and manageable.

brainstorming

When breaking down your goals, brainstorm what you want and why. Dig deep and think about it. Write down whatever comes to mind. Only through this process can things proceed smoothly. Here's an example of brainstorming for the 'Learn to cook' goal:

1. What is it about this goal that sparks curiosity?

I was always curious. How the entire process takes place, from the moment you sit down inside the store to the beautiful, nutritious food on your plate. How exactly does it work?

2. What motivated you to invest your time and energy into this?

I spend a lot on packaged and prepared foods, which in my opinion is not healthy at all. Also, I've gained a bit of weight recently, so I want to manage my calories.

3. What am I trying to achieve?

I want to learn how to cook to save money, eat healthier, and lose weight. Also, I don't want to invite a friend or lover to a meal and worry about ruining it.

4. What need?

Basic food preparation skills, basic cooking skills, simple recipes for preparing your own meals, and popular food recipes like Mexican food, soups, and burgers.

5. How do you define success for this goal?

Spending less on packaged and prepared foods, eating healthier, and inviting friends over for dinner.

By the time you've finished brainstorming, you'll have a better idea of ​​the essentials of your goal. For example, the scope of the goal, the milestones of the goal, and why the goal is important.

Progress is more important than speed. When things are delayed, the scales are tipped toward pain between pleasure and pain. So it becomes more difficult to concentrate. If you don't have enough time, reduce the scope of your short-term goals.

Advantages of splitting goals

The longer it takes to achieve a goal, the weaker the motivation becomes. When motivation runs out, goals tend to fall apart. Small goals reduce the pressure. You can enjoy the satisfaction of seeing things progress smoothly. How you feel about a project is very important to its success. When things are going well, momentum is gained. Resilience helps us improve our patience.

Whether you succeed or fail, short-term goals provide room for reflection. After each short-term goal, you can take the opportunity to pause and reflect on your experience so far.

1. What am I learning about my strengths and weaknesses?

2. What is being done correctly and what is not?

3. What can we do better next time?

4. What value have you added to your life?

After asking these questions, you may realize that you need to revise your main goals. Let's say you realize that you want to cook Italian food, or that you want to cook for a lot of people, or that you're much more interested in growing food than cooking. In any case, this realization will help you adjust your goals to use your time and energy more effectively. Changing your career direction means discovering something much more meaningful. This is the key.