Measurable Goals

Measurable goals are ludable.

But taking small measurable actions on a daily basis is, I think, even more important.

This difference is the difference between systems vs. goals.

The trick is that most people, focused on a goal itself, will not get there.

So quit worrying about that messy desk. Finding four hours to sit down and reorganize the entire thing is a mountain that you have been avoiding for nine months.

Try this: Pick up and deal with five items per day. Five items per day is your new goal. That’s it.

My guess is you are going to be done in 20 days…

The best thing about this method is that it gives you permission to start. You can go do it right now. It won’t take three minutes. Do it tomorrow too. And keep going.

See, it’s years of daily process that gets you where you want to be or gets you that job.

When in doubt: Follow the process.

People are more likely to make progress on goals that are broken into concrete, measurable actions, with some kind of structured accountability and positive reinforcement.

-Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project