The journey to the destination starts with a goal and finishes with achieving the desired outcome

“The clearer my vision for my desired future state (where I want to go) and the greater my focus on the outcome, the faster I'll reach my destination.”

A goal represents a beginning step. An outcome represents a result.

• Goals provide the vision, while outcomes are specific and precise.

• Goals are generally not measurable, while outcomes are observable and measurable.

Establishing clear goals and desired outcomes will help you reach your desired destination.

Goals provide the vision and reflect the impact you hope to achieve in the future.

• Goals are broad statements.

• Goals can be achieved by implementing a multitude of strategies.

• Goals are based on the identified needs that you’re solving for.

Identifying a clear outcome will:

• Focus your efforts on the actions and habits that are most crucial to success.

• Provide clarity for each decision you make.

• Allow you to specify benchmarks that will determine whether you are making progress.

• Allow you to measure the impact of each action/behavior against the desired outcome.

A desired outcome describes how you might change based on the successful completion of your strategies.

Desired outcomes make goals concrete.

By changing the outcomes, you get closer to the goal that you set.

Create at least one desired outcome for each goal. Describe the specific changes you hope will occur as a direct result of the “practices” you implement.

Typically, outcomes are related to changes in:

• Knowledge: what people learn or know about a topic

• Attitudes: how people feel toward a topic

• Skills: the development of skills

• Behaviors: changes in behaviors

Let's look at a few examples.

A practice of daily renewal

• Goal: Go outside and walk for 20 minutes after 90 minutes of deep focused work.

• Outcome: 10% greater mental energy at the end of the day, which will ensure I want to engage in an activity after work (instead of wanting to crash on the couch).

• Outcome statement: "By practicing daily renewal, I will have 10% greater mental energy at the work end. The increase in mental energy will lead to me being excited to spend time with my loved ones after work…instead of wanting to crash on the couch and watch television."

A practice of turning a phone on airplane mode

• Goal: Turn my phone on airplane mode during family dinner.

• Outcome: Fully present with my family and engage in deep conversation.

• Outcome statement: Turning my phone on airplane mode during family dinner will eliminate distractions and result in me being fully (100%) present and able to engage in conversation at the dinner table.

Connecting the purpose of your 'practices' to your desired outcome will result in motivation to take when you become distracted, tired, or feel overwhelmed.

Decide & Take Action

1. Set one goal for the next 7 days.

2. Start small. Choose a ‘practice’ that’s easy to implement every day. Choose a behavior/action/activity that won’t take too much effort. If you choose a behavior that’s too difficult to implement, you’ll be less likely to act.

3. Why are you choosing this goal? What specific outcome are you hoping to achieve?

4. Write an outcome statement: Engaging in (action/behavior) for 7 days, will result in (achievement/change in behavior).