Lecture Notes: Goal Setting and Planning by Dr. Justin Sung

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Justin Sung
  • Full-time learning coach, researcher, lecturer, former medical doctor
  • Head of learning at I Can Study
• Purpose: Introduction to a method of goal setting and planning used to transform life satisfaction and effectiveness.

Personal Journey

• Transitioned from a full-time doctor to an education professional.
• Experienced dissatisfaction with the medical profession due to lack of control and systemic inefficiencies.
• Decision to pursue education full-time in 2019.
• Developed a structured plan using the reverse goal setting method.

Reverse Goal Setting Method

• Traditional Goal Setting: Identify current status, set goals, and create a path.
• Reverse Goal Setting: Start with the desired outcome and work backwards to determine the necessary steps and attributes.

Steps in Reverse Goal Setting

1. Define the Goal
   • Choose a goal at least 6-9 months away.
   • Example: Control over work hours, large-scale educational impact.
2. Create a Hypothetical Ideal Person
   • Define the skills, attributes, and knowledge needed for success.
   • Use categories like employability capitals.
   • Rate these skills/attributes from 1 to 10.
3. Assess Current State
   • Self-evaluate using the same categories.
   • Identify gaps and areas for improvement.
4. Conduct a Force Field Analysis
   • Identify barriers and resources.
   • Resources can be tangible or intangible, like time, money, and networks.
5. Create the Plan
   • Use SMART goals for immediate next steps.
   • Incremental improvements toward becoming the ideal person.

Additional Recommendations

1. Learn About the Goal
   • Gather information, observe successful individuals.
2. Learn About Yourself
   • Accurate self-assessment to create an effective plan.
3. Set Realistic Timelines
   • Estimate time required to improve each attribute.
   • Realistic improvement usually limited to 2-3 attributes at a time.

Challenges and Considerations

• Understanding that not all improvements can occur at once.
• Potential need for revising goals if timelines are unrealistic.
• Example: Exam preparation with insufficient timelines can be counterproductive.

Conclusion

• Importance of having a structured and realistic approach to goal setting.
• Encouragement to gather knowledge about goals and self for effective planning.

Resources and Further Learning

• Additional resources available at I Can Study.
• Recommended videos on learning efficiency and time management.
• Program offers deeper insights into improving attributes and achieving goals.