How do you start working towards your goals?

Sometimes, it’s as simple as getting ready in the morning, making a plan, or saving money for something you enjoy doing.

Todd Ericson knows that reaching bigger goals often starts with the small things we do every day. As Marketing Intern, Assistant Caregiver at Life Services Alternatives (LSA), and self-advocate, Todd fights for the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). At the October 2026 Supported Life Conference in Sacramento CA, he shared experiences with goal setting, action planning, and being in charge of your own life.

The reflections below are Todd’s own words, drawn from his personal experiences and perspective.

1. Start Small and Keep Going

You have to set yourself up for success daily in order to reach bigger goals.

For me, that means building routines that help me stay on track. Getting up on time, taking my medication, exercising, and keeping my home organized are small goals that help me make progress towards the larger ones.

When I accomplish something small, I feel proud of myself. Seeing progress helps me believe in myself and motivates me to keep going. Bigger goals aren’t accomplished all at once. They take small efforts, repeated over time.

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2. Find a System That Works for You

You can’t just depend on your memory. You need to find and use the system that works for you.

I use my phone calendar, alarms, and reminders to keep track of appointments and responsibilities. Implementing a system means I don’t have to remember everything on my own. I can check my schedule and focus on getting things done.

The right system is the one that works best for you. It can take time and effort to figure out what helps, so don’t be afraid to ask someone to help you get started.

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3. Independence Doesn’t Mean That You’re Alone

My family helped me learn how to organize my schedule and look for systems that work for me. I’ve also had support from teachers, Life Services Alternatives, and the AIM team.

Having the right support is part of what makes independence possible

The right support helps you learn skills, work through problems, and become more confident managing your own life. The goal isn’t for someone else to make your decisions. It’s to have people on your side who help you work toward what matters to you most.

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4. Make Room for What You Enjoy

Having a schedule doesn’t mean everything has to be work or responsibility.

It’s Important for me to keep structure in my life, but also bringing fun and things I like too.

I enjoy going to movies, listening to music, and watching sporting events. Making time for those things is part of building a life I want to live.

One example is my goal of managing my money. I want to make it through the month without dipping into my savings. When I planned to attend a Valkyries basketball game, I knew it would be expensive, so I watched my spending during the week leading up to it.

Planning ahead helped me work toward my financial goal while still doing something I love. It’s about making thoughtful choices so I can enjoy the things that matter to me.

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5. When Plans Change, Keep Going

Of course, things don’t always go as planned. Schedules change, unexpected expenses come up, and sometimes a strategy doesn’t work.

If I can’t exercise on the day I planned, I can find another day. If I spend more than expected, I can adjust my budget.

The goal stays. The plan can change.

Adjusting isn’t quitting. It’s problem-solving. The important thing is to get back on track and keep working toward what you want to accomplish.

Everyone’s goals are different, and there’s no single right way to reach them. Start with something that matters to you, find a system that works, and ask for support when you need it.

Never stop working toward your goals!