Dream Big, Start Small: A Goal Setting Guide for Graduates and Beyond

May and June always remind us of college and high school graduations. It is that time of year when many people celebrate a milestone and prepare to embark on the next phase of their lives. As family and friends, we applaud their accomplishments and wish them well. Though one journey has ended, the next is beginning.  To step into the next phase and be successful, one must be conscious and thoughtful about the plan or plans being created. Even though we focus on graduates, anyone can do this process at any time.

     Along with giving money and gifts, adding a thought about the power of goal-setting and motivation to your card could be the catalyst for something great in the graduate's future. Goal-setting strategies are easy, but turning the goal(s) into reality takes some thought and commitment. 

If you can speak more about this with the graduate, remind them that every journey requires work, and there may be some challenges along the way. View these road bumps as opportunities to grow, learn, and become stronger. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't be afraid to dream big. Your potential is limitless, and your future is as bright as you make it. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and take pride in how far you've come. As you move forward, know that you are capable of amazing things. The world needs your talents, your passion, and your unique perspective. Remember your faith and the family and friends who will support you as you reach for your goals and dreams, but only you can create your story. Embrace the journey ahead with confidence and enthusiasm. Don’t doubt yourself; your hard work, determination, and resilience will lead you to incredible places.

     Please include the following steps below to help the graduate achieve their goals and dreams. We came across a quote from Tony Robbins, a motivational speaker and writer, that aligns with this blog theme: “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” 

Writing down your goals and dreams is easy, but you must take the time to do it.  Dare to dream. Think of your goals and dreams as a mental workout. The mind wants to be focused, challenged, and growing, just as the body needs nourishing foods, adequate rest, and physical activity.  Your goals and dreams, along with your measurable action steps, will take you where you want to go.  Checking off actionable steps taken to achieve the goal will provide momentum for each day, to strive to be better than yesterday, and keep focused on the present moment.  Let today take care of itself with your thoughtful, written plan. Zig Ziglar said, "You don’t have to be great to start, but you must start to be great." Never stop creating goals for your life and dreaming big.  

Step 1. Dare to Dream

Think about your goals and dreams. What do you want to accomplish? Take some time to brainstorm how you envision your life unfolding. 

The first thing you should ask yourself is the following.

Write down 5- 10 things I want to have and do. It can be big or small. 

Things I will have	Things I will do
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Step 2. Write down your SMART Goal(s):

       S = Specific  - make it clear and specific.

       M = Measurable  - be precise on amounts, dates, and other quantifiable elements.

        A  = Achievable – utilize your current skills and resources. 

        R =  Relevant - ensure it matters to you and fits within your long-term plans.

        T =  Time Bound - include a timeframe to create a sense of urgency and motivate progress.

Then, on another morning, as you focus on yourself, fill in the next table.

Where will I be in 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years?

	Personally	Professionally	Financially	Spiritually	Physically
1 year	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
3 years	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. .
5 years	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4.	Goal: Action Steps: 3-5 1. 2. 3. 4.

Step 3. Share (Strategically)

Tell a trusted family member, friend, or mentor about your goals.  Choose someone who uplifts you—someone who believes in your potential. As the saying goes, “Don’t share big dreams with small-minded people."

Step 4: Speak It. See It. Believe It.

Say it aloud daily with conviction; know it will come true.

It is also suggested that you keep your goals accessible to review them several times throughout the day. Even setting a timer on your phone to review them is a helpful reminder and will keep these plans in the forefront of your consciousness. This will propel your brain even more to take action steps to achieve these goals. Reviewing your goals and dreams will be a magnet and pull you closer to achievement daily.  

 Step 5. Track and Reflect Weekly

Report weekly progress to your family member, friend, or coach.

If you are uncomfortable sharing with someone, that is ok.  However, it is vital to plan a weekly check-in with your accountability buddy or yourself. Plan your week and the steps you will take to achieve your goals. Check them off as you accomplish them. When you have your weekly meeting with yourself or a buddy, you begin with the successes you had for the week. Review any obstacles that may have prevented some things from happening, and then strategize how to overcome the challenge so the step or steps will be completed the following week. Remember, do not beat yourself up over a missed deadline.  Unforeseen things happen in our daily lives, and we learn to readjust, realign, and refocus.  

Jack Canfield discusses these steps and more on achieving your goals and dreams in his book The Success Principles. How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. 

We think Dr. Seuss said it well in his book:

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

We feel goal setting is something everyone can learn from at any age. We should never stop dreaming or wanting to accomplish things, for they will take us to great places and new adventures, giving life meaning at all stages. 

As you step into this new chapter, remember that setting goals isn't just about planning your future; it's about owning it. Whether your next adventure is further education, your first job, or stepping into a new role, let your goals be your compass. For those entering the world of nursing and healthcare, your path is one of purpose and service. Set goals that challenge you to grow not just in skill, but in compassion, resilience, and leadership. Life in healthcare will stretch you, but it will also shape you into someone who makes a lasting difference. Be bold in your vision, grounded in your values, and flexible in your path. This is your time—dream big, start small, and keep going. The future is yours to shape, and the world needs what you’re bringing to it.