🎯 2024 Dream to Goal planner (the easy way, with my Notion template)
How to get clarity without feeling lost or overwhelmed
Dear reader,
I missed both solar and lunar new years, but it’s never too late to make a pretty Notion database1. I mean, to set meaningful goals for the years to come.
I’m writing just after finishing planning for my goals for the next few years. I got inspiration from several systems, especially from a part of Ali Abdaal’s 2024 Annual Planning Workshop. He shared journaling prompts, which I turned into a Notion template2.
You can just get the template below, or keep reading for a step-by-step guide.
This is made to be duplicated and added on and broken apart, so don’t worry about doing it your way! That said, get ready for a follow-along guide. Grab your cup of tea and get comfy with the template.
Oh, and if you’re any curious, we should end up with something like this:
💭 Step 1 • Dreams
Prompt 1 • What would you like to do in the next 10 years?
I recommend using the Notion template for this, but you can get started on any note-taking app. The template will make the next steps easier.
Write as many goals and dreams as you can for the next 10 years. Big dreams, tiny dreams, long- and short-term, in any field of your life, no matter how realistic. The template has a few prompts to copy and paste to inspire you
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Prompt 2 • How long could it realistically take?
Now, put a number by each of your dreams. That number represents how many years (roughly) the timeline for that dream is. Don’t be too specific, keep it to 4 categories: 1, 3, 5 or 10.
Prompt 3 • Are you a realist or dreamer?
For each dream, it should seem either very achievable or really hard to accomplish. On the template, check the box only if a goal seems really hard or almost unachievable.
Aim for 20% very hard goals, which would leave you with about 80% achievable ones. No worries, the Notion database does the maths. You can add more or adjust your list to get closer to this number
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Prompt 4 • How cool is that?
I added this step because I like it. Depending on your personality and values, you could change “cool” to purposeful, fulfilling, rewarding, or anything that motivates you and makes sense to you. I like to keep it simple.
Grade all your dreams from 0-100%. Most of mine were over 60-70%. Don’t overthink it, just stick a number to it
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📍 Step 2 • Priorities
Congratulations, you can switch to the next database view3. You will now visualise your dreams grouped by timeline (1, 3, 5 or 10 years). Your favourites will appear on top.
✅ Check the obvious ones
Check 3–5 “priority” goals for each column. Pick what makes most sense to you, or what would make the biggest difference. The number you set previously should help you filter the most meaningful ones.
The Notion template tells you how many you checked in front of each column.
✅ Check your 3 pillars
Make sure you have some goals for each main areas of your life: relationships, health and work. If you noticed you’re missing some important areas or values, feel free to go back and add goals as needed until you’re satisfied.
✅ Check each dream’s status
While doing this, I realised a few dreams weren’t actionable. I was happy to realise I’m already on the right track to achieving them if I just stay consistent and keep my daily habits. Instead of writing “keep doing this”, I created a “status” property with the option “already doing”. I also added “not ready” for some 10 year goals I can’t really plan yet.
The database filters away dreams in the “already doing” and “not ready” categories. This allows you to focus on meaningful change.
🎯 Step 3 • Goals
You made it. You have your main goals for 2024, and the years to come. After completing the previous steps mostly based on your instincts and dreams, you can take the time to think about specific goals.
This is an optional step to challenge and detail your goals. I would recommend at least completing the “why”. The “how” and “when” are just to help you get started. Here are a few prompts to help you:
WHY (your reasons)
What are the legit reasons why you want to achieve this goal? Is this enough to get you through the hard times? Is it worth the struggle?
HOW (your plan)
What are the 3–5 steps to achieve your goal? How likely is your plan going to work out? Does the goal actually matter? What’s the real goal?
WHEN (your system)
When are you going to take the small action steps that are going to lead you towards this goal? Can you realistically fit it in your schedule? Is it really a priority?
And that’s it… Almost. I mean, I did add action steps for each goal. But I as I was editing and refining this template, I figured I had to stop somewhere. This is bound to evolve, but I’d rather share something than keep this in my drafts. In case you missed the template linked and can’t be bothered to scroll, here it is:
It would mean a lot to me if you could share your feedback on this exercise, and how to improve this template. I always love to see how people can draw inspiration from something to make it their own.
I hope you have a lovely week,
Best,
Lou
✍️ Dear language learner
Learn your target language with useful phrases! Here are a few to translate to test yourself. If they’re relevant to you, you can add them to your notes or spaced-repetition system.
🌱 Beginner
What’s your dream for the next year?
🌿 Intermediate
Which skills do you want to learn most?
🌳 Advanced
What achievement would make you feel fulfilled?
Thank you for reading “I heard from Lou”. It can be hard to find people who share your passion for learning. If you have friends who might like this letter, let them know.
I’m actually celebrating my birthday early this weekend, since my family members are on holiday. Does it count as a new year? 🥳
I also changed a lot of things to fit my preferences, forgive me Ali!
A Notion database view displays the same data, just differently. For example, a table can be displayed in card, filtered or sorted…