The 5-Step Process for Achieving Goals

Key Economic Insight

The personal evolutionary process consists of five distinct, sequential steps. First, establish clear goals to determine your direction. Prioritize goals by choosing what you want or need most, rejecting less crucial alternatives to avoid pursuing too many objectives simultaneously. Differentiate between essential goals and desires that might impede progress; for example, physical fitness as a goal versus consuming unhealthy food as a desire. Reconcile these to find true fulfillment, and do not mistake external 'trappings of success' like a 1200 dollar pair of shoes or a fancy car for genuine achievement, as this indicates a lack of clarity on what one truly wants. Be audacious in goal-setting, as 'great expectations create great capabilities,' and never rule out a goal due to perceived unattainability. Success is highly probable with flexibility to learn from reality and self-accountability, which intensifies motivation to overcome perceived personal failures. As you pursue goals, problems will inevitably emerge, causing discomfort.

These painful problems serve as opportunities for improvement and must be explicitly identified, even if they expose personal weaknesses or those of others. Avoiding the harsh realities of problems increases anxiety more than confronting them. When a problem stems from a lack of talent or skill, acknowledging it is the initial step toward overcoming it. Be specific in identifying problems, as tailored solutions are required; for instance, inadequate skill may necessitate training, while an innate weakness might require seeking external help or changing roles, such as hiring an accountant for financial deficiencies. Differentiate between a true problem and its causes; 'I can't get enough sleep' is a cause, whereas 'I am performing poorly in my job' is the actual problem. Prioritize significant problems that yield the greatest returns if fixed, but also examine minor issues for symptoms of larger underlying concerns. Once identified, do not tolerate problems, as this indicates a lack of will and has the same negative outcome as failing to recognize them.

To resolve problems, thoroughly diagnose them to identify root causes before designing solutions. This diagnostic phase, focusing on 'what is,' typically takes between 15 minutes and an hour, involving discussions with relevant individuals and evidence review. Distinguish proximate causes, which are actions (e.g., 'didn’t check the train schedule'), from deeper root causes, which describe underlying traits (e.g., 'forgetful'), because only removing root causes leads to true resolution. Design a plan by reviewing past actions leading to the current situation and visualizing future steps. Conceptualize your problem as outcomes from a 'machine,' considering how to modify it for better results. Recognize that multiple paths lead to goals; you only need to find one that works. Develop the plan like a movie script, starting with a broad outline (e.g., 'hire great people') and progressively detailing specific tasks, estimated timelines (e.g., 'In the next two weeks, choose the headhunters'), costs, time, and personnel. Document this detailed plan for transparency and progress measurement, ensuring tasks directly link the narrative to goals. While design doesn't always take extensive time, it is crucial and must precede execution. Finally, push through to completion with self-discipline, adhering to the plan. Maintain strong work habits, using prioritized to-do lists and ticking off items sequentially. Establish clear, objective metrics, ideally measured by a third party, to track progress. If targets are missed, diagnose and resolve this new problem. The entire 5-step process is iterative, with goals changing slower than designs, which change slower than tasks, and is fundamentally driven by one's values.