Try imagining a day in yourlife 5 or 10 years from now. If you can’t,
no wonderyou’re having a hard time motivating yourself to work
toward that career as a final goal!
A specific role model may also be an effective motivator. When
she was a first grader, my daughter Lindsay became particularly
enamored of Wilma Rudolph. Growing up black and poor was a minor
part of Wilma’s childhood problems. When she contracted polio,
doctors told her she would never walk again. My daughter thought
it was amazing that Wilma, through sheer guts and determination,
not only walked again but became the fastest woman in the world,
winning multiple Olympic gold medals. When confronted with her
own (smaller!) problems, my daughter still reminds herself that
“If Wilma could do it, I can, too.” What a great way to motivate
yourself! Think of your own role models in life. And if you don’t have
any, find some!
The Goal Pyramid
One way to visualize all your goals—and their relationship to each
other—is to construct what I call a goal pyramid. Here’s how to do it:
1.Centered at the top of a piece of paper, write down where
you hope to be—and what you want to be doing—3, 5, or
10 years from now. This is your long-range goal and the
pinnacle of your pyramid.
2.Below your long-range goal(s), list mid-range goals—
milestones or steps that will lead you to your eventual
target.
3.Below the mid-range goals, list as many short-range
goals as you can—smaller steps that can be completed
in relatively short periods of time.22 How to Study