Rectification

What Good is the Goal

Setting goals is easy.  We do it all the time, especially when the new year rolls around.  The hard part is making sure we actually work toward those goals.  Because what is the point in setting a goal that we never actually try to achieve?  I think the Canadian Hip Hop artist Moka Only was on to something in the Swollen Members song "Watch This" when he said, "Plus, what good is the dough if you can't blow it, what good is the goal if you stay below it."  Now I'm not sure I agree with the first part of that lyric but the second half is all too true.

I've learned a few things about goals throughout my life and one thing that I know for sure is that everyone has their own process for setting and accomplishing goals.  No single plan is right for everyone.  With that said, there are certain elements of goals that can be beneficial for everyone.  Here are a few that I have found particularly useful.

The size and shape of the goal don't matter.

SMART

Goals should be S.M.A.R.T.  That is they should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.  Although this is not always easy to do, it is possible and it is very effective.  I think another way you could interpret this acronym is to look at what a goal shouldn't be.  Namely stupid, miserable, annoying, ridiculous, and tiring.  I believe the jury is still out on whether positive or negative reinforcement is more effective so I'll let you choose which one you prefer.  Although I should warn that I totally made up the negative version and the other is a legitimate guide.  

Getting Things Done

One of the many guest speakers I have heard in grad school talked about the Getting Things Done methodology.  In short, it's all about what processes you use to eliminate distractions, stay focused, and ultimately get things done with a busy/hectic schedule.  The part of his presentation I remember most vividly is when he talked about breaking our goals down into manageable tasks that will help us move toward achieving that one overarching goal.  As humans we look at large tasks or projects and it takes an incredible amount of effort to get started on those, but if we break them into smaller bite sized pieces they become simple and require much less motivation.  This reminds me of the White Stripes song, "Little Acorns."  If you haven't heard it listen to it here.  It's quite inspiring.

Action Triggers

Each night before going to bed I usually get on my computer to check my email and other accounts online.  Somehow this always leads me to YouTube.  You wouldn't think this would be a big deal, but it is.  According to this article, visitors spent about 10 minutes a day on average on the site back in 2011.  I'm pretty confident that I am one of the outliers in that statistical population, and not in a good way.  For me, one video unfailingly leads to 40 more.  This is a problem.  

From this example you can clearly see that the action trigger here is getting on my computer right before going to bed.  It's the thing that triggers the behavior that follows.  Much like triggers in a database that set off certain stored procedures, our personal action triggers set off certain behaviors.  What should be learned from this is the importance of setting good triggers.  When we have action triggers that lead to beneficial behaviors we are able to improve ourselves and achieve our goals.  This doesn't happen naturally so we need to make a conscious effort to set our action triggers so that they aim us in the direction we are wanting to go.  

A great example of this is what you do when your alarm goes off in the morning.  If you have a goal to exercise every morning, but run out of time because you hit the snooze button, then maybe you need to change that action trigger.  Instead of hitting the snooze, make it a rule that you have to jump up and do 25 jumping jacks (or star jumps for those of you in the Commonwealth) before you are allowed to hit snooze.  Once you're up and blood is circulating then you're far less likely to climb back under the covers.  The point is, figure out where you are and where you want to be and then set your action triggers appropriately.  It won't solve all of your problems, but it will help you improve.    

Like a Glove

Ultimately, you have to find what works for you.  No one solution is best for everyone.  We all think differently and are motivated by different things and that will always be the case.  Why do you think there are so many different workout programs out there?  It's because what works for you, might not work for me.  I would have struggled to get in shape in the 80's because Richard Simmons just doesn't do it for me.  Others loved him in his time and probably still do.  Anyway, you're welcome to incorporate the methods from this post, or find your own.  Either way, don't just write a list of goals and stick it in a drawer.  Set manageable, achievable goals, plan out how you will accomplish them, recruit others to help you along the way, and always remember what Yoda says:

Only once, you live.

Yolo