Goal setting software In search for the best goal setting systems

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

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Rewarding
• Time bound

(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?