Goals
Goals can be defined to have a clearer idea about what to work towards.
There are many different aspects of goals, and taking some time to consider these aspects in relation to a goal and the wider context can be a good idea.
It is also important to set the right goals. All the productivity in the world won't matter if you are working on the wrong things.
Input goals and output goals
This is a concept that has many names.
- Leading metric vs. lagging metric
- Input goal vs. output goal
- Process goal vs. outcome goal
Goals typically exist on a spectrum between these two extremes.
An output goal is directly connected to the outcome you want from a project. For instance, that could be "finish among the top 10 runners in a race in 4 months." But you don't actually have control over whether or not you will achieve this goal. You don't control which other runners that are going to participate in the same event, and even if you did or you were yourself one of the 10 best runners in the world, there might be external factors that affect your or other competitors performance during the run. In practice this uncertainty can be demoralising for many people who measure themselves agains output goals. Output goals are probably what you actually care about in the end.
Input goals on the other hand are goals that are in your control if you're willing to put in the effort. You will almost always be able to go out and run for 30 minutes. While running for 30 minutes every second may not be the goal you care about, you will probably do well in the race if you practice consistently.
Examples of output goals and alternative input goals:
- Lose 10 kg in 3 months - Track the macronutrients of everything you eat for 3 months
- Finish writing thesis - Work on thesis every weekday for 4 hours.
Frameworks for goal setting
SMART goals
According to the SMART goals framework, goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.
CSI Approach goals
Goals should be challenging, specific, and immediate and they should be "approach" goals meaning that they should focus on doing or adding something rather than not doing or avoiding something.