My Experience with Certifications

Are you looking for a challenge to motivate yourself to learn scrum better? Are you looking to land a specific job?

If you just want to take the next step in learning, the PSM has a low barrier to entry and should open some doors to allow you more opportunities to practice the scrum master role.

If you’re trying to land a job then it really depends on what that job is looking for certification-wise.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms.

If you’re looking for your first scrum certification, the CSM and CSPO are the most common. Both require you to take a class by a certified instructor and cost around $1,000.

• The CSM - Certified Scrum Master requires a test at the end of the course to earn the certificate.
• The CSPO - Certified Scrum Product Owner does not require a test, as completing the course provides you with the certificate.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

The CSM and PSM are the two most common certifications for a scrum master:

• CSM Certified Scrum Master from Scrum Alliance. 
• PSM Professional Scrum Master from Scrum.org.

The CSM is more common than the PSM but also more expensive. Both offer multiple levels of certification.

You are required to take a class by a certified instructor for the CSM, which will cost you around $1,000. The CSM class includes the test cost and is comparable in difficulty with the PSM test.

The PSM recommends but doesn’t require a course. So you can take the self-study route and then take a cheaper test ($200). This level of affordability can make the scrum.org certifications a more attractive first step for people exploring scrum certifications.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

The PMI-ACP is in its own class regarding scrum certifications. It requires both documented experience as well as knowledge across multiple agile domains.

The test is long and comprehensive. I would place it as similar difficulty to the PMP as compared to the CSM or PSM.

This certification certainly demonstrates much higher agile and scrum competency. However, I don’t see it listed often on job requirements.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

The PMP is kind of the grandfather of project management certifications. It’s a beast of a test and requires memorizing a ton of information. However, it’s rooted primarily in waterfall rather than agile approaches.

Unless you plan to work in a domain where waterfall is dominant, the PMP probably isn’t the best certification option for those getting started in project management, and certainly not for those getting started with scrum.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms or how to pass the PSM exam.

The most common certifications for a scrum master are:

• CSM Certified Scrum Master from Scrum Alliance. 
• PSM Professional Scrum Master from Scrum.org.

The CSM is more common than the PSM but also more expensive. Both offer multiple levels of certification.

You are required to take a class by a certified instructor for the CSM, which will cost you around $1,000. The CSM course includes the test cost and is comparable in difficulty with the PSM test.

The PSM recommends but doesn’t require a course. So you can take the self-study route and then take a cheaper test ($200). This level of affordability can make the scrum.org certifications a more attractive first step for people exploring scrum certifications.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.

The best way to learn to be a scrum master is through practice. However, earning a certificate can provide helpful instruction, and some companies list it as a requirement for scrum master roles. 

If you're entering the world of scrum or trying to transfer your skills from one domain to another, having a certification like the CSM can help you get in the door.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms.

Unlike the PMP (Project Management Professional), most scrum certifications don’t require experience. There are pros and cons, though. It makes earning the certifications easier but also makes them a little less valuable. 

A typical CSM course will last between 3 and 5 days, depending on how much instruction is done each day. The PSM doesn’t require a course, so if you already have a solid understanding of scrum, you can just take the test today. 

To really be a Scrum Master your'e going to need practice.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.

Scrum certifications are a great way to both grow and demonstrate your knowledge. The most common certifications for a product owner are:

• CSPO Certified Scrum Product Owner from Scrum Alliance. 
• PSPO Professional Scrum Product Owner from Scrum.org.

The CSPO is more common than the PSPO but also more expensive. Both offer multiple levels of certification.

You are required to take a class by a certified instructor for the CSPO, which will cost you around $1,000. There is no test for the CSPO. Completing the class earns you the certification.

The PSPO recommends but doesn’t require a course. So you can take the self-study route and then take a cheaper test ($200). This level of affordability can make the scrum.org certifications a more attractive first step for people exploring scrum certifications.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Also be sure to check out the essential Scrum glossary.

Like becoming a scrum master, the best way to grow as a product owner is through practice. The CSPO class is helpful as it provides several practical facilitation techniques. 

I’ve seen it listed as a requirement for various product owner or product manager roles. It can be beneficial if all other things are equal, but I don’t think it’s a game-changer for landing a PO job.

Here is my experience with certifications as a path to growth.

Want to learn the essential Scrum terms.

Goal setting is the process of identifying specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives that you want to achieve. It involves determining what you want to accomplish, defining clear objectives, and developing a plan for achieving those objectives.

By setting goals, you can clarify your priorities, focus your efforts, measure progress, and ultimately achieve success.

Goal setting is an important skill that can help you in both your personal and professional life, enabling you to make progress towards your desired outcomes and improve your overall performance.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Goal setting is important for several reasons:

1. Provides direction and focus: Setting goals gives you a clear sense of where you want to go and what you want to achieve, helping you direct your efforts and stay focused.
2. Increases motivation: Goals can be a powerful motivator, providing the drive and determination you need to overcome obstacles and achieve your desired outcomes.
3. Improves decision-making: When you have clear goals, it's easier to make decisions that are aligned with your objectives and help you make progress towards achieving them.
4. Enhances productivity and performance: Goals provide a target for your efforts, helping you prioritize your time and focus on the tasks that will have the greatest impact on achieving your objective.
5. Provides a sense of purpose and meaning: Setting goals that align with your values and passions can give your life a greater sense of purpose and meaning, helping you feel more fulfilled and satisfied.
6. Enables personal growth and development: Achieving your goals often requires developing new skills, gaining knowledge, and pushing yourself beyond your limits, which can lead to personal growth and development.
7. Increases confidence and self-esteem: Achieving your goals can boost your confidence and self-esteem, providing a sense of accomplishment and pride in your abilities.
   

In summary, goal setting is important because it provides direction and focus, increases motivation, enhances productivity and performance, provides a sense of purpose and meaning, enables personal growth and development, and increases confidence and self-esteem.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

There are many benefits of setting goals, including:

1. Increased motivation: Setting goals gives you a sense of purpose and direction, which can help increase your motivation to achieve your objectives.
2. Greater focus and direction: Goals provide a clear target for your efforts, helping you stay focused and avoid distractions.
3. Improved decision-making: Clear goals can help you make better decisions by providing a framework for evaluating different options and choosing the best course of action.
4. Improved performance: Setting goals helps you identify areas where you need to improve and provides a benchmark against which you can measure your progress.
5. Greater confidence: Achieving your goals can boost your confidence and self-esteem, helping you tackle new challenges with greater ease.
6. Better time management: Goals can help you prioritize your time and focus on the most important tasks, increasing your productivity and efficiency.
7. Enhanced personal development: Setting and achieving goals can help you develop new skills, gain knowledge, and grow as a person.
8. Greater sense of achievement: Achieving your goals provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, boosting your overall well-being.
   

Overall, setting goals is an important tool for personal and professional growth, enabling you to achieve success and realize your full potential.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Absolutely, goal setting can indeed help you find direction in your life. Goals act like a compass, guiding you towards the things you want to achieve and helping you determine the path to get there. Here's how goal setting can provide direction:

1. Clarity: Setting goals requires you to clearly define what you want to achieve. This process brings clarity by forcing you to articulate your dreams and aspirations.‍
2. Focus: Goals provide a focal point for your energy and efforts. They help you avoid distractions and maintain focus on the tasks that will move you closer to your desired outcomes.‍
3. Decision-Making: When you have clear goals, it becomes easier to make decisions. You can evaluate choices based on whether they move you closer to or further from your goals.‍
4. Motivation: Goals give you something to strive for, which can be highly motivating. Knowing where you want to go can inspire you to take action, even when things get tough.‍
5. Measurement: Goals provide a benchmark against which you can measure progress. This can help you see how far you've come and what steps you need to take next.‍
6. Personal Growth: The process of setting and working towards goals can lead to personal growth. You may develop new skills, gain knowledge, and build confidence as you work towards your goals.
   

So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about the direction of your life, setting some goals might be a good place to start. Remember to make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to increase your chances of success.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Setting goals is an important process, but there are several common mistakes that people often make. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

1. Setting vague or unrealistic goals: Goals that are too general, vague, or unrealistic can be difficult to achieve, leading to frustration and disappointment.
2. Failing to align goals with values, passions, and priorities: Goals that are not aligned with your values, passions, and priorities may not provide the motivation you need to achieve them.
3. Failing to break goals down into smaller steps: Large goals can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to stay motivated and focused. Breaking goals down into smaller steps can help make progress feel more achievable.
4. Focusing solely on outcomes rather than the process: While achieving the desired outcome is important, focusing solely on the end result can lead to neglecting the process required to get there.
5. Failing to track progress: Without tracking progress, it can be difficult to know whether you're making progress towards your goal.
6. Not adapting goals to changing circumstances: Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. It's important to adjust goals as needed to reflect changes in your life.
7. Failing to celebrate progress: Recognizing and celebrating progress along the way can boost motivation and help you stay committed to achieving your goal.
   

By avoiding these common mistakes and setting clear, realistic, and aligned goals, you can increase your chances of achieving your desired outcomes.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Goal setting is a powerful tool that can lead to success in both your personal and professional life. Setting and achieving goals has been a significant part of my personal and professional life. 

When done right, goal setting can act as your personal GPS, guiding you toward success in both life and work. With clear objectives, you can navigate your path and make consistent, intentional decisions that lead toward the life you want to live. 

Here's why goal setting is a game-changer:

• Clear Direction: Goals show you exactly where you want to go, making decisions so much easier and steering you straight towards success.
• Boosts Motivation: Having clear goals is like having a personal cheerleader. They keep you pumped up and eager to tackle each day with purpose.
• Enhances Focus: Goals act like a laser beam, concentrating your energy on what truly matters and cutting out distractions.
• Facilitates Planning: They break down those big dreams into bite-sized tasks, making your journey to success feel less like a marathon and more like a series of achievable sprints.
• Promotes Accountability: Sharing your goals with others can give you that extra push to stay on track. It's like having a workout buddy for your ambitions!
• Measures Progress: Goals let you see how far you've come. Every milestone reached is a reason to celebrate and a boost for the next step.
• Improves Time Management: With clear goals, you can prioritize like a pro, making sure you spend your time on what truly counts.
• Fosters Personal Growth: Every goal you chase helps you learn, adapt, and grow. It's all about becoming the best version of yourself.

But for this to happen, your goals must be clear, actionable and your own. 

Below, I’ll give a more in-depth look at five benefits, three pitfalls, and an opportunity I believe will help you not only set but also achieve your goal. 

Let’s get started. Here's how setting goals can be your ultimate success tool:

Aligning your goals with your values and passions is crucial to ensure long-term motivation and satisfaction. Here are some steps to help you do this:

1. Identify Your Values: The first step is to clearly identify what your core values are. These may be things like honesty, integrity, creativity, family, health, or financial security. Your values are the principles that guide your decisions and behavior.‍
2. Recognize Your Passions: What activities, subjects, or causes feel meaningful to you? What do you love to do? Identifying your passions can provide a strong source of motivation for your goals.‍
3. Set Goals That Reflect Your Values and Passions: Once you've identified your values and passions, you can set goals that align with them. For example, if one of your core values is health, a goal might be to exercise regularly. If you're passionate about writing, a goal might be to write a book.‍
4. Check for Alignment: As you set your goals, check to see how well they align with your values and passions. If a goal doesn't align, you might want to reconsider it, as it may be difficult to stay motivated in the long run.‍
5. Review and Adjust: Regularly review your goals to ensure they continue to align with your values and passions as these may evolve over time. Don't hesitate to adjust or change your goals if needed.
   

Remember, when your goals align with your values and passions, you're more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied when you reach them. It also makes the journey towards achieving your goals more enjoyable and rewarding.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Absolutely, goal setting can indeed help you find direction in your life. Goals act like a compass, guiding you towards the things you want to achieve and helping you determine the path to get there. Here's how goal setting can provide direction:

1. Clarity: Setting goals requires you to clearly define what you want to achieve. This process brings clarity by forcing you to articulate your dreams and aspirations.‍
2. Focus: Goals provide a focal point for your energy and efforts. They help you avoid distractions and maintain focus on the tasks that will move you closer to your desired outcomes.‍
3. Decision-Making: When you have clear goals, it becomes easier to make decisions. You can evaluate choices based on whether they move you closer to or further from your goals.‍
4. Motivation: Goals give you something to strive for, which can be highly motivating. Knowing where you want to go can inspire you to take action, even when things get tough.‍
5. Measurement: Goals provide a benchmark against which you can measure progress. This can help you see how far you've come and what steps you need to take next.‍
6. Personal Growth: The process of setting and working towards goals can lead to personal growth. You may develop new skills, gain knowledge, and build confidence as you work towards your goals.
   

So, if you're feeling lost or unsure about the direction of your life, setting some goals might be a good place to start. Remember to make your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to increase your chances of success.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Prioritizing goals can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to ensure you're working on what matters most. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your goals:

1. List all of your goals: Start by writing down all the goals you have, both big and small. This could include personal, professional, short-term, and long-term goals.
2. Assess importance and urgency: For each goal, assess its importance and urgency. Importance refers to how much the goal matters to you and how significant its impact will be on your life. Urgency refers to whether the goal needs to be achieved immediately or can wait.
3. Use a prioritization matrix: A common tool for prioritizing tasks and goals is the Eisenhower Matrix. It separates your actions based on four possibilities: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and not urgent and not important.
4. Consider your resources: Look at each goal in terms of the resources it requires. This includes time, money, effort, and emotional investment. Prioritize goals that align with your available resources.
5. Align with your values: Ensure your goals align with your core values and long-term vision. If a goal doesn't contribute towards your overall life direction, it might not be a high priority.
6. Review and adjust regularly: Priorities can change over time, so it's essential to review and adjust your goal priorities regularly.
   

By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your goals based on their importance, urgency, resource requirements, and alignment with your overall life objectives.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Overcoming obstacles is an important part of achieving your goals. Here are some strategies you can use to overcome obstacles and stay on track:

1. Identify the obstacle: The first step in overcoming obstacles is to identify what the obstacle is. This might be a lack of resources, a difficult task, or a personal limitation.
2. Develop a plan: Once you've identified the obstacle, develop a plan for how you will overcome it. This might involve seeking help from others, breaking the task down into smaller steps, or finding new resources.
3. Stay flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plan if necessary. What worked in one situation may not work in another.
4. Stay positive: It's important to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the progress you're making, rather than dwelling on setbacks or failures.
5. Seek support: Don't be afraid to ask for help from others who have experience in overcoming similar obstacles. This can provide valuable insights and motivation.
6. Learn from mistakes: If you encounter obstacles, take the time to reflect on what went wrong and what you can do differently next time.
7. Stay committed: Remember why you set the goal in the first place, and keep your eye on the prize. Stay committed and focused on achieving your objective.
   

By using these strategies, you can overcome obstacles that may prevent you from achieving your goals and stay on track towards your desired outcomes.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

Prioritizing goals can be a challenging task, but it's crucial to ensure you're working on what matters most. Here are some steps to help you prioritize your goals:

1. List all of your goals: Start by writing down all the goals you have, both big and small. This could include personal, professional, short-term, and long-term goals.
2. Assess importance and urgency: For each goal, assess its importance and urgency. Importance refers to how much the goal matters to you and how significant its impact will be on your life. Urgency refers to whether the goal needs to be achieved immediately or can wait.
3. Use a prioritization matrix: A common tool for prioritizing tasks and goals is the Eisenhower Matrix. It separates your actions based on four possibilities: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and not urgent and not important.
4. Consider your resources: Look at each goal in terms of the resources it requires. This includes time, money, effort, and emotional investment. Prioritize goals that align with your available resources.
5. Align with your values: Ensure your goals align with your core values and long-term vision. If a goal doesn't contribute towards your overall life direction, it might not be a high priority.
6. Review and adjust regularly: Priorities can change over time, so it's essential to review and adjust your goal priorities regularly.
   

By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your goals based on their importance, urgency, resource requirements, and alignment with your overall life objectives.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

The frequency with which you should review your goals can depend on the nature of the goals themselves. However, a common recommendation is to review them regularly to ensure you're making progress and staying on track. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Daily: If your goal has daily steps or tasks, it's beneficial to review these at the start of each day. This can help you stay focused and prioritize your activities for the day.‍
2. Weekly: A weekly review can be useful for checking in on your short-term goals and the progress you've made over the past week. It can also help you plan your tasks for the upcoming week.‍
3. Monthly: Monthly reviews are great for assessing your progress towards medium-term goals. They can provide a broader perspective and allow you to adjust your strategies if necessary.‍
4. Quarterly/Semi-Annually: For long-term goals, a quarterly or semi-annual review can be effective. These reviews allow you to see the bigger picture and make significant adjustments if needed.‍
5. Annually: An annual review is a good opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate your achievements, and set new goals for the coming year.
   

Remember, these are just guidelines. The key is to find a review frequency that works best for you and your specific goals. Regular review ensures you stay accountable, track your progress, and make necessary adjustments to your plans.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

The number of goals you should have at one time can vary greatly depending on your individual capacity, resources, and circumstances. However, a common recommendation is to focus on a few key goals at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you can devote sufficient time and energy to each goal.

The truth is, fewer goals mean more focus. AND more achieving.

So, how many goals should you aim for? 

It depends on your timeline. 

If we’re talking about annual goals, then maybe 8-10 or just enough to cover different areas of your life—like your health, career, and relationships—without leaving you overwhelmed.

8-10 Annual goals will break down to about 2-3 goals a quarter, which allows you to focus your attention and energy long enough to make a significant impact. 

Now, if we’re talking about daily goals, we teach in our Goal Focus Coaching Program to have no more than 3 priority actions a day. That may not seem like a lot, but when you stack it day after day, it has over 1,000 priority actions for the year. That impact is huge.

Having a limited number of goals allows you to focus and make meaningful progress. If you spread yourself too thin across many goals, you may find it difficult to make significant progress in any area.

Remember, it's not about the quantity of goals, but the quality of your focus and effort towards achieving them. It's better to fully commit to a few important goals than to juggle many goals without making substantial progress.

Keep in mind that everyone's capacity for goal-setting is different, and what works best for you might be different from what works for someone else. It's crucial to find a balance that feels manageable and aligns with your personal aspirations and lifestyle.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.

‍Goal setting is just the start. Goal achieving is what we all really want, and keeping track is where the magic happens. 

At Everyday Design, we want to help you build momentum toward your goals. When you begin stacking daily wins, something magical happens—you feel progress. This momentum fuels your focus and commitment, even through setbacks and detours.

If you want to measure progress toward your goals, follow these steps.

1. Define Your Goals Clearly: Use the SMART framework to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. Break Goals into Tasks: Divide big goals into smaller, manageable tasks and set priorities with a clear timeline.
3. Use Tools for Tracking: Leverage tools like to-do apps and the Goal Focus Worksheet to visualize and track progress efficiently.
4. Regular Review and Reflection: Weekly reviews to celebrate wins, identify obstacles, and plan improvements keep you engaged and on track.
5. Get Expert Help: Book a ReFocus Power Hour to spot trouble spots, strategize for success, and ensure alignment with long-term goals.
6. Keep a Progress Journal: Record your achievements, focus your day, and discover insights to stay motivated and accountable.
7. Celebrate Milestones: Recognize your achievements to boost morale, fuel motivation, and reinforce your commitment to your goals.

Below I break down each step into more detail to help you stay on the path to success!

Celebrating your achievements is an important part of the goal-setting process. It helps to reinforce positive behavior, keeps you motivated, and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Here are some ways to celebrate achieving your goals.

1. Treat Yourself: A classic way to celebrate is to treat yourself to something you enjoy. This could be a special meal, a new book, a day off, or anything else that makes you happy.‍
2. Share Your Success: Sharing your achievements with others can be a great way to celebrate. You could tell friends and family about your success, post an update on social media, or even throw a small party.‍
3. Take a Break: Achieving a goal often requires hard work and dedication. Taking some time off to relax and recharge can be a great way to celebrate your success.‍
4. Reflect on Your Achievement: Take some time to reflect on what you've achieved and how far you've come. This can help reinforce the positive behaviors that led to your success and prepare you for future challenges.‍
5. Set a New Goal: Once you've achieved a goal, it can be motivating to set a new one. This helps maintain momentum and keeps you moving forward.
   

Remember, the celebration should be proportionate to the size and significance of the achievement. Small victories deserve recognition too, but they might not warrant the same level of celebration as larger, more significant achievements. The key is to find a way to celebrate that feels rewarding and meaningful to you.

Learn more about how to effectively set goals.