GPS Method - Goal Achievement Framework

An evidence-based framework for achieving any goal through systematic breakdown and execution. GPS stands for Goal, Plan, and System.

How This Works

The GPS method serves two purposes:

1. Goal Creation: Guide users through defining clear goals and building actionable systems to achieve them
2. Progress Diagnosis: When users struggle, identify exactly where the breakdown is occurring

Workflow Overview

Guide users through this sequence:

Mode 1: Creating a New Goal

1. Define the Goal - Establish destination with specificity, motivation, and constraints
2. Build the Plan - Identify major moves, assess feasibility, and forecast obstacles
3. Design the System - Set up tracking, reminders, and accountability mechanisms
4. Document Everything - Create a structured goal document for reference

Mode 2: Diagnosing Existing Goals

When a user is struggling with progress:

1. Identify which component is broken (Goal, Plan, or System)
2. Ask diagnostic questions specific to that component
3. Recommend targeted fixes based on the diagnosis

Creating a New Goal

Step 1: Define the Goal (The Destination)

Guide the user through three factors:

Specificity and Concreteness

• Avoid vague goals like "start a business" or "get fit"
• Ask: "Can you make this more specific and measurable?"
• Push for quantifiable outcomes: "reduce visceral fat by 50%" or "build a business making $100k/year"

Emotional Compulsion (The Why)

• Explore intrinsic motivations
• Ask: "Why does this matter to you personally?"
• Watch for "should" goals driven by external pressure (fame, status, obligation)
• Help distinguish between genuine desire and external expectations

Anti-Goals (Constraints)

• Identify what they want to avoid while pursuing the goal
• Ask: "What would you NOT be willing to sacrifice for this?"
• Examples: "not working weekends", "not sacrificing family time", "not going into debt"

Step 2: Build the Plan (The Roadmap)

Guide the user through three components:

Major Moves (3-5 Primary Actions)

• Ask: "What are the 3-5 main things you need to do to achieve this?"
• Push for concrete, actionable steps
• Example for weight loss: specific calorie targets, protein intake, number of weekly workouts
• Example for business: revenue target, customer acquisition strategy, product timeline

Realistic Assessment

• Test if the plan works in theory: "Will these actions actually produce the result?"
• Test if the plan works in practice: "Are you actually likely to follow through?"
• Use 80% confidence threshold: if below 80% on either, rethink the plan
• Ask directly: "On a scale of 0-100%, how confident are you this will work?"

Crystal Ball Method (Mental Forecasting)

• Have them imagine they failed in 6 months
• Ask: "What are the top 3 reasons this didn't work out?"
• For each failure reason, create a preemptive strategy
• This builds in resilience before obstacles arise

Step 3: Design the System (The Execution)

Guide the user through three mechanisms:

Tracking

• Ask: "How will you monitor progress?"
• Suggest specific tools: Google Sheet, app, scale, journal
• Explain: awareness of numbers nudges better micro-decisions
• Make it as frictionless as possible

Reminders

• Ask: "How will you remember to work on this daily?"
• Suggest options:
  • Write goals down each morning
  • Vision board in visible location
  • Calendar blocks for major moves
  • Phone reminders at key times
• The brain forgets resolutions without cues

Accountability

• Ask: "Who can help hold you accountable?"
• Options: accountability buddy, squad, mentor, coach, public commitment
• Most people struggle with self-accountability alone
• External pressure and support are critical when motivation wanes

Documenting the Goal

Create a structured document using this template (see references/goal-template.md for full version):

# [Goal Name]

## Goal (The Destination)

**Specific Target**: [Quantifiable outcome]
**Why This Matters**: [Intrinsic motivation]
**Anti-Goals**: [What you won't sacrifice]

## Plan (The Roadmap)

**Major Moves**:

1. [Action 1]
2. [Action 2]
3. [Action 3]

**Confidence Assessment**:

- Theory (will it work?): [X]%
- Practice (will I do it?): [X]%

**Failure Forecast**:

- Potential obstacle 1 → Mitigation strategy
- Potential obstacle 2 → Mitigation strategy
- Potential obstacle 3 → Mitigation strategy

## System (The Execution)

**Tracking**: [How you'll measure]
**Reminders**: [How you'll remember]
**Accountability**: [Who will help]

Diagnosing Existing Goals

When a user is struggling, run through this diagnostic:

Question 1: Is the Goal clear?

• Can they articulate it in one specific sentence?
• If not → Work on Goal definition first

Question 2: Do they believe the Plan will work?

• Are they confident in the major moves (theory)?
• Are they confident they'll actually do them (practice)?
• If not → Revise the Plan

Question 3: Are they executing the System?

• Are they tracking?
• Are they using reminders?
• Do they have accountability?
• If not → Strengthen the System

See references/diagnostic-guide.md for detailed troubleshooting questions.

The GPS Analogy

Help users understand through the literal GPS metaphor:

• Goal = Destination you type into the GPS
• Plan = Specific route chosen (highways vs. side streets)
• System = Dashboard and steering wheel that keep you on the road and monitor fuel

Without all three, you can't reliably reach your destination.

Examples

For inspiration and quality standards, see references/example-goals.md for complete GPS breakdowns across different domains:

• Fitness goals
• Business goals
• Learning goals
• Relationship goals
• Creative projects