25% Rule

A good goal should be actionable, measurable, within your control, and aligned with your values or duties. Use the 25% rule to set attainable goals by starting small and gradually increasing the difficulty. Ensure the goal is a verb you can do and measure your progress.

“The last thing to consider or arguably the first thing to consider is what is the intent behind the goal? Because at the end of the day, you can sort of structure a goal in the right way. You can use the 25% rule you can make it actionable and measurable, but why are you doing it?”

• What matters most to you and how does this goal align with your values?
• Are you setting this goal for yourself or to please others?
  Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation, Setting Achievable Goals, Aligning Goals with Values

Common pitfalls include setting goals that are too abstract, not measurable, or dependent on others. Goals born out of desires but not within your control can lead to demotivation if not achieved despite your best efforts.

“Sometimes without even realizing it. We set goals for ourselves that actually depend on other people. So if I pick a goal like finding a boyfriend or finding a girlfriend or getting promoted, fundamentally, I can’t necessarily find a boyfriend or girlfriend, that mate that actually involves another person and another person’s choice. getting promoted may have a lot to do with things that have nothing to do with me.”

• Are your goals concrete and within your sphere of influence?
• How will you respond if factors outside your control prevent you from reaching the goal?
  Locus of Control, Dealing with Disappointment, Differentiating Goals from Desires

The drive matrix consists of desires, shoulds, duties, and values. Acting in accordance with your duties or values can sustain motivation even when facing negativity or high costs. Shoulds and wants may not provide the same motivational power.

“So for example, if I should get healthy for the sake of getting healthy, like that’s a great goal to have. It’s something that logically is a good idea. And yet I may not be able to do the things like resist eating unhealthy food force myself to wake up early every day so that I can exercise. All of the costs that come with the goal are hard to pay, if it’s coming from a should.”

• What quadrant are your goals coming from?
• How can you reframe a goal to align more with your values or duties?
  Intrinsic Motivation, Value-Driven Goal Setting, Connecting Goals to a Greater Purpose

Transform abstract goals into concrete, actionable steps. Instead of “getting in shape,” set a goal to do a specific number of push-ups or spend a certain amount of time exercising each day. This makes the goal measurable and within your control.

“So our goals need to be actionable and measurable. So this is where what we want to do is reframe goals to actions. So we can’t get in shape. It is not literally something you can do. You don’t get into a shape. What you can do is exercise. So I can do 10 Push ups every day. I can spend 30 minutes exercising at the gym. I can walk for two miles a day.”

• What specific actions can you take to make progress towards your goal?
• How will you measure your progress and know when you’ve achieved the goal?
  SMART Goals, Habits vs Goals, Identifying Key Actions