DR. WALLACE: Best way to set goals? There are so many things to think about in so many areas I could improve in. It all seems so overwhelming.

Because of this, I often just daydream in a random way without setting any real goals at all. How can I move forward in a more productive way? — Stuck in Neutral, via email

STUCK IN NEUTRAL: There are many books, blogs, speakers, writers and influencers who have a plethora of information available on this topic. You should plan to spend some time researching this topic and taking a few notes on specifics you might find particularly useful to you and your unique mindset.

What I can add for you is to not feel pressured to take on a large set of goals all at once. Write down a list of say, a dozen or so goals that you'd like to achieve in your life.

Then, next to those individual goals, rank them from No. 1 to No. 12 in terms of importance. Then, rank them from easiest to hardest to achieve.

Start working on only two goals: the most important one and the easiest one to achieve. Apply all of the principles and suggestions you'll pick up in your research such as making incremental progress, breaking goals down in segments and so forth.

Once you complete the easiest one, start on the next easiest to achieve. Simultaneously, you will continue to make incremental progress on your most important goal, which is likely going to be one of your toughest to achieve, as well.

This "two at a time" method should keep a lot of your time being used on most important goal but also provide you encouragement and success by reaching some of your easier goals. Stick with it, and don't be afraid to share your goals with family and friends, as they will give you very important support and encouragement along the way.

SINCE WE'RE GOING ANYWAY, WHERE TO GO?

DR. WALLACE: On Memorial Day, some friends and I were talking, and one of them said that we should expect to get drafted on our 18th birthdays. All three friends and I are 16 years old right now, so this means in two years, we expect to be drafted into some branch of our national military.

One of my friends said that his father heard that the draft will restart in 2026 due to the fact we have limited military volunteers these days. He also said that if we were smart, we would volunteer before being formally drafted, since that way we could choose between the branches of the military (the Marines, Army, Air Force or Navy, for example). Which branch of service should I volunteer for if this happens? — Future Draftee, via email

FUTURE DRAFTEE: Presently, our national military here in America is entirely voluntary and has been for decades. Of course, it is possible that this could change, but as of now, there are no formal plans in the works to restart a national draft.

If you have interest in the military, then by all means, study up on the various branches and even visit a recruitment office to gather more information. The military does provide excellent opportunities these days and the discipline, structure, sense of common purpose and camaraderie are great benefits for many young people.

Have your parents speak to the father of your friend to learn more about his comments. Is this simply his opinion, or does he have any facts that he can share with other adults?

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Estée Janssens at Unsplash