Accurate Estimation in Achieving Goals

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Accurately estimating the time and effort required to achieve a goal is crucial as often the reality can be vastly different from what one assumes. Blind spots in estimating the duration for success can lead to discouragement especially when the actual effort needed surpasses expectations significantly. It is important to conduct research, talk to people who have achieved similar goals, and understand the true level of commitment required to avoid unrealistic expectations.

Dorie Clark: The Long Game Dorie Clark has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, and was recognized as the #1 Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards. She is a consultant and keynote speaker and teaches executive education at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School. Dorie is the author of the bestselling books Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. Magazine. She has been described by the New York Times as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” She is a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and is now the author of her latest book, The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World*. In this conversation, Dorie and I discuss how to win the long game, even when things look bleak today. We examine the typical timelines that most professionals should expect in order to get traction on their work. Plus, we highlight three key questions to ask yourself during the toughest times. Key Points It’s often 2-3 years of sustained work before you see noticeable progress. To become a recognized expert, you should expect at least five years of consistent effort. People revisit strategy too often when instead they should often continue to follow their action plan. Even if you end up “losing,” strategize up front how the time and effort you put in is still a win. When times are toughest, ask three questions: Why am I doing this? How has it worked for others? What do my trusted advisors say? Resources Mentioned The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World* by Dorie Clark Long Game Strategic Thinking Self-Assessment Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes The Value of Being Uncomfortable, with Neil Pasricha (episode 448) How to Find Helpful Advisors, with Ethan Kross (episode 516) Making the Case for Your Promotion, with May Busch (episode 526) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.