You are reading this study guide because you have at least one clear goal right now: to achieve a successful outcome when you take the CCBA^® or the CBAP^® exam.

The goals you set for yourself are the "map" for reaching your business analysis career outcome or vision. It lays out the milestones or "cities" you need to get to on your "map" to be moving closer to your vision or outcome.

As with any goal, you must set your goals with the end goal in mind—so, in this case, your end goal is to have passed the exam. The goals (or cities on your map) you define can consist of short-term (next week, next month, or in 3 months), medium-term (6 months to 2 years), and longer-term goals (2 to 5 years). The idea is for you to start with the end goal in mind; keep your focus on that while you achieve the smaller goals to get there. 

In the context of your goal to pass the exams, you should visualize the end goal and create your study plan with shorter-term goals to achieve and measure successful progress. These goals could take the form of completing study sessions successfully and executing your study schedule consistently.