Getting things done Quote by Jay E. Adams
““Often counselors find it necessary to spell out for clients methods for getting things done. They teach them first to plan their long-range goals. Then they show them how to plan the short-range goals which must be reached along the way to attaining long-range objectives. Thirdly, all of the goals are then scheduled as accurately as possible. Fourthly, the planning must be followed by doing. The scheduled goals become (1) incentives: it is easier to shoot for short-term goals; (2) milestones: goals performance may be checked.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Counseling Techniques, 1975
Effective counseling breaks goals into long‑term visions, short‑term steps, schedules, and action, turning each step into incentive and milestone for progress.
In simple terms: Goal setting works best when broken into clear, timed steps.
Key Takeaway
Plan, schedule, then act.
Themes
goal setting
motivation
planning
achievement
Mood
focused
pragmatic
Type
instructional
practical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- personal development
- project management
- education
- health coaching
Key Concepts
behavioral psychology
goal theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you keep short‑term goals aligned with long‑term vision?
- What incentives keep you moving forward?
A Different Perspective
May overlook flexibility needed for unexpected changes.
