Goal software 101: Trait #5: Choosing GS Systems
Over the years I've learned enough about goal setting to consider myself a connoisseur of goal setting systems. There were several concepts that influenced my vision of what is the best system, as did the tangible results that were achieved by following through them. The verdict about the best one is not decided, and probably never will be. There are at leasts 3 reasons:
- ANY reasonable goal setting system will work
Yes - the mere fact that you are actually setting goals and giving them some sort of attention will secure a reasonable amount of success - my aim is to find out which of these work best. - the optimal goal setting system is dependent on our desired end result
Example: the goal of "achieving a weight of xx kgs" and one which has an end result of "thinking positive thoughts" will require different exercises and different trains of thought. - the personality of the goal setter is a major factor
Some people are motivated more by pleasure, some by pain. It is up to the goal software to find out which is better for the particular person to maximise the effects of goal setting.
These varying factors is why I personally use several goal setting systems (and variations) including but not limited to:
- Techniques of Raymond Hull
- Techniques of Tony Robbins
- Concepts taught by David Allen (in particular the 6 levels of focus)
- various visualization systems of esoteric orders
It is also why the ideal goal software should take some time to get to know it's user and adjust his goal systems accordingly. Ultimately the user could pick the methodology of his choosing (with appropriate help of course and maybe suggestions based on the choice of other users) to every goal he wishes to work on.
Goal software 101: Trait #4: Total accessibility
This is where all of on offline approaches fall short. I want my goals to be available for looking over any time I want it. Any. time.
Some software systems will tell you that they are accessible any time, provided you carry your personal laptop anywhere with you, and that's a bit of a stretch. Others will provide you with portable software ready to be put on your USB drive. That's a bit better but not good enough for me - goal setting software must be able to provide you with the ability to store data online and access them with anything that can display a web page. Bonus points if you have offline access.
Review: Achieve-IT!
This was basically the first piece of software that I encountered in my search. This also happens to be my first review on this blog. Because my testing procedure is not yet quantified and transparent - this will be a totally subjective review (as are most reviews).
Review: GoalWriter.com
This will not be a very long review, because the software in question is short and sweet.
A word of warning in advance - this particular piece of software needs some getting used to. Also - don't mistake it for what it is not. It is a really simple tool for some really simple yet powerful stuff.
The software gives you an online interface for stating the following:
- Vision statement
- Mission statement
- (SWOT) - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
- Wants and Needs
- Write Your Goals
If you are not clear on what all of that is, have no fear, the help system is... around. Basically steps 1 through 4 will build you up and help set your goals.
And that's it. Yes - you read right - nothing more. Well, you can print your results - but that's it. And that simplicity is what I like about this application.
I have to admit that when I first opened up the website - it disappointed me a bit. As it ripened however in my open tabs, I came to realize that it might be useful to review the fundamentals on a regular basis.
I've already set up a personal reminder to return to this site every week. And I advise you to do the same. I somewhat regret that functionality is not built into the app.
This is hardly what I personally would call a goal setting system, but it's some kind of help to organize your life and get clear about the things you want to accomplish.
PS. If you don't like web interfaces, you can visit GoalComposer.com and try the same thing but offline.
GoalWriter.com
Goal software 101: Trait #3: Measurable actions
The computer was invented primarily to help humans do numbers. It has evolved enough to not show you all the complicated math going behind the scenes - but it's still there. Today we will be talking about how we can learn for computers.
But first... some goal setting 101. There is a fairly basic methodology of setting your goals which everyone is probably familiar - that goals should be
(picked my favs - see the whole list here)
There is some big wisdom here. But SMART is a basic technique applying only to your goals and not the follow up: the action plan. When the goal is set - achieving it can be a lot more reliable is you actually set SMART actions that are to be acomplished. Those might be something like "I will enjoy a brisk walk every weekday afternoon" if your goal is related to fitness or weight.
This is great way to get you started on your goal and commit to doing something on it. In the ideal world, you would compose a checklist of all your actionsand track it on a daily basis. The problem with daily habits that haven't sunk in yet, is that the next day something unexpected happens (working late, partying or whatever your heart desires) the habit dies. If your list gets more than 2 days behind, chances are you will never use it again.
Now this is where the patience of a computer pays off. If you do the thing electronically - the software could bug you with an SMS message every hour until you get it. It may give you reports on how you've followed through. This has big advantages because you can keep track of whether you stayed with the plan - if you've screwed up- try again. If you came through and nothing is happening - get a better plan.
I actually came across the need for something like this when I was developing a plan for my fitness goals. I needed something that would keep track. I stuck with a spreadsheet but this is not what I would ultimately like to use.
Anyone have something interesting like this they' like to share?
Goal software 101: Trait #2: Automated steps
Not that fancy isn't it? Well... No. But crucial. Having the ability to:
- remind yourself of your goals on a daily basis
- generate automated motivational text relating to your goals
- remind yourself at random times (aka "oh it's the five o'clock reminder SMS- don't have to check it just now")
is just priceless.
Mind you this can be achieved by some clever basic level programming and the use of Google Calendar, but that's another story.
Goal software 101: Trait #1: Systems approach
Consider two situations, that might occur on the day you plan to set some goals:
- You sit down with a cup of (beverage) looking forward to your goal setting session just to find out your (prefered information storage utility) is not at hand. You get up, gather the needed utilities and sit down. In midst of setting your goals you continuously have to look through your notes about goal setting. The creative mind gets bogged down by the other functions it has to fulfill. You end up exhausted and with no particular feeling of excitement or expectation towards your goals.
- (beverage) in place - let's set goals. The run the goal software you're using. It gives you clear, predefined suggestions on what to do step-by-step. Goals set. Well defined. Attaining to your standards. You feel great.
The second point ilustrates the power of a process approach. Once set up - your software can do all the repeatable work for you.
The mid-tech approach would be to have a digital checklist with all the appropriate qualities of a goal made once and then copied to subsequent goals. This is the approach I use, with the help of the greatest to-do and checklist manager - Todolist. This however is not perfect - it does not guide you effortlessly throught your steps.
Low-tech would be just printing some sort of questionnaire - but as above - this is not the ideal.
The software I am testing now - "Achieve-IT!", does have some of the functionality I seek (but more on that on the upcoming review).
Bottom line - goal software should have a system of wizards for setting goals.
Goal software 101: The ultimate goal setting system?
I've been getting some questions recently about whether I advise getting rid of the old pocket scrapbook.
The answer - NO!
Don't get me wrong - I'd rather pull out my trusty pen and pocket-diary than my laptop or Blackberry - it's just that software gives us the things that were never possible using paper (or they were quite cumbersome).
In this series of posts I'll try to explain why I think be should move to the next dimension and use goal-software for day to day use.
Important note: None of the goal software I came across to date has been able to fill all my criteria - and I don't think they will. I have managed to pull together something of a system of my own from free tools, but this is far from comfortable. This is basically the motivation behind this blog - to find the best goal setting system there is - or build my own.
PS. Still testing "Achieve-IT!" Sent some questions to the author - I should be done testing by the end of the week.
The search begins
This is the start of a search for more.
Goal setting can give huge advantages and profits. There is but one enemy to goal setting - getting caught up.
If a system is not ideally designed and is even slightly slower than pen&paper - it failed. Miserably.
Unfortunately most systems that I have come across that promise miracles don't provide. I am here to help you make up your choice for the tool that is going to manage your life from now on. Heavy stuff.
For me - the ideal goal software (aka goal setting software) should:
- be simple, compact, easy to use and fast - if you won't like it - you won't use it
- remind you of good goal setting standards, with the possibility of tweaking those standards
- have integration with (at least) Google Calendar
- provide ways to measure goals
- provide easy ways to produce accountability - both internal (self-evaluation via performance charts) and external (sending out performance charts to your chosen coach)
These are the preliminary requirements - some may be added to the list, but the above are absolutely essential to me, as I will explain later on.
I'm going to test every piece of goal software there is available - and if nothing turns out the way I plan it to - make my own system.
Till later, stay passsionate
GregK
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