Continuing our theme this January I’d like to delve more into the topic of goals. It’s a huge topic. A quick internet search and you will come up with so many resources on this topic. In these posts I will aim to add something more and a bit of a personal approach with you. In order to keep the size manageable I’m going to split into a few posts. Here’s the first….
Definition of a goal: Usually this is statement of change or achievement, potentially with a time element. However, closely related are concepts such as Intent, Purpose, Challenge, Aspiration, Expectation, Direction and Dreams.
Outcome and Process: A further concept you will see in a lot of resources is the separation of outcome versus process related goals.
- The outcome goal being more result centred, possibly defined by the “I want”. Additionally the amount of control you have over the outcome may be less. This is likely to do with the number of external variables that you are unable to directly influence and which impact the ability to achieve the goal. Think X-factor contestants quotes like…”I really really want to win this competition”
- The process goals are more activity based, potentially defined by the “I will” concept. The sense of control over the action is much higher. The external variables are less and the goal is more self contained. For example “I will run a sub 3hr marathon by the end of 2024”.
There are times when these concepts can blur a little. For example you could say the marathon example is more of an outcome goal. Or equally you can have sub process goals for the marathon example as the steps to achieve the larger one. However what both of these types of goals have is common in their definition is an element of fixed time or being time bound objective.
Moving further than a single time based goal is to examine the concept of behaviour change. What type of behaviour will I need to adopt in order to be successful at these? Going further still is considering that behaviour to be part of your “I am” or sense of identity. We will look at these more in a dedicated post.
Cautions: Be aware as you define goals for yourself of 2 undesirable effects.
- You get what you measure: Therefore be very careful you are measuring what you actually want to achieve. If it’s a sub step to achieve a larger goal then make sure they map closely. A good example here is having a goal to achieve a faster bike TT time. Breaking into actionable steps perhaps having a step to improve FTP by x%. However, if this power increase is achieved at the cost of aerodynamics then the wider objective will be missed. Make sure you measure the right thing.
- Counting: Counting or measuring usually only makes sense when the count is compared to another value, a starting point or a target. However, comparison can sap joy and pleasure from the underlying activity. The count can become more important than the experience. Your emotional reaction to the count or measure becomes the focus of experience. This is a pattern often felt using social media especially apps such as strava. Don’t lose sight of yourself, your own value and the value of the activity irrespective of the goal measurement.
Next post is a process to walk through to help define goals.
In the meantime I have some questions for you to reflect upon.
Have a think about goals you may be working towards.
- How concrete and defined are they?
- Have you written them down to achieve specific clarity
- Have you shared them to create accountability and a sense of personal commitment?
- Would you classify them as outcome or process based?
- How much do they form part of behavioural change?
- Is there a linkage between the goals and a sense of you and your identity?
- Has counting and measuring helped with the goal?
- How have you felt about the measuring process – what reactions and emotions has it brought out in you?
As always if you with to comment or even to share some specifics I’d love to hear.