Based on the article, effective instructional design seems to focus on starting with the end in mind. If places high importance on knowing what your main goals are before taking any action. It is by knowing "what we want to achieve" that we can take the right steps in achieving our goals.
This way of thinking reminds me of a book titled, " The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by the late Dr. Stephen Covey. It is an amazing book if you have not read it. Highly recommended!