Define Your Destination

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If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.

Lewis Carroll
(Alice in Wonderland)

Instructional system design begins with an analysis and this is a principle we can apply to more than just designing effective learning solutions. You can use these questions to define a plan of action to achieve your goals. It is futile to attempt solving a problem if we don’t know what the problem is. A good prescription comes as a result of a good diagnosis. We can’t suggest a solution without understanding the need first.Defined problems are easier to solve than undefined ones. The analysis phase is like detective work. We ask questions:

  • Where are you now?
  • Where do you want to go?
  • What do you want to accomplish?
  • Why? What is motivating you to go there?
  • How do you get there?

The answers to these questions are going to help draw a roadmap. Imagine that you are using a GPS device. Identify your current situation. Define your destination. In order to determine the best route to take you need those two pieces of information. Certainly with no destination we can arrive anywhere. Leaving a trail of breadcrumbs in case you get lost is not effective. Just ‘ok’ is not enough. There are many more questions we can ask here depending on the situation in order to form a plan of action.

In the analysis we can’t forget about affective factors that are motivating the change. The attitude towards change can define the willingness to change and how much effort would be directed towards reaching the destination. Knowing where you are going is not enough. The affective domain includes values, beliefs, feelings and emotions. This is important to build a bridge between the current and the optimal desired situation because the affective domain gives ‘color’ to behavior by setting the mindset of the process.

The last question would be answer by synthesizing the answers from the previous questions. Once you have a map, the current and the desired destination, and the motivational factors, a plan of action can be designed. Through the process of designing the plan it is important to return to these questions and the answers and determine if necessary alternative routes as time and the plan progresses. Knowing where you want to go is a step to get there. You just have to start walking towards the vision you already have.

Resolutions and Goals

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Photo Nov 22, 10 38 29 PMIt is that time of the year! Many are figuring out their new year resolutions and goals.  The desire of making something different for a new year is very common. We know most of them are carrying on from previous years. We also know that desiring to do something is not enough. Resolutions are decisions or determinations to accomplish something. Action is required.

Goals on the other hand require a plan and commitment to achieve results. Goals require preparation and lots of work. Self-regulated individuals know all about being ready, taking action, and being committed to a plan. The results often reveal their efforts. The most important aspect of self-regulation is intentionality. Self-regulated individuals are not only capable of controlling their impulses but also do this intentionally. It is a decision followed by a plan. The plan is then followed by commitment and action. Achievement comes as a result.

Achieving a goal is not the only benefit. Cognitive psychology explains that reaching a goal also improves self-efficacy. Our perceptions to reach a goal transcend the domain in which we reached success but to other areas in our lives. A cycle of improving self-efficacy continues as goals are achieved. Cognitive psychology suggests therefore to set achievable short-term goals towards a larger goal. Which each step we feel closer to the finish line, more willing and stronger to continue.

This year set up your goals and make a plan. Remember to set realistic achievable goals and break down those goals into short-term goals. Be firm in your decision to accomplish your goals. Commit to your plan. Keep track of your progress and celebrate each accomplishment one short-term goal at a time. I wish you all the success for the new year.