Types of goals, when and why to use them.
Goal Type:
Outcome - Focuses on the final result or achievement you want to attain in comparison to others. (e.g., Finish X place in event, Be in the X% for the 2 min sit up test, Be at the top of the leader board x lift).
When to Use
Long term goals. Great for individuals who like to compare themselves against others. There however is no guarantee that the effort they put in will lead to achieving the goal.
How to Know Which is Right
It's right if it defines the ultimate success you're striving for, but recognize that it is often outside your direct control. If you are motivated by falling short of your goal and driven to work harder, this goal can have the right motivations for you.
Goal Type:
Performance - Focuses on achieving a certain standard or personal best, often compared to your past performance, but not directly against others' results (e.g., Run a mile in under X minutes, Complete X event under 30 minutes, Improve score by 10% or higher on the next test).
When to Use
Long or intermediate term goal. Best for measuring progress and personal improvement. Use when you want to focus on a controllable measure of success that leads to the final outcome.
How to Know Which is Right
It's right if it is a challenging, yet realistic, benchmark that is within your control and will directly contribute to achieving your Outcome Goal.
Goal Type:
Process -Focuses on the specific actions, behaviors, or steps you must take regularly to achieve your performance and outcome goals (e.g., Meditate for 10 minutes every morning, Spend 2 hours researching new healthy recipes weekly, Eat a serving of vegetables with every meal).
When to Use
Short term goals to establish the habits required to achieve long term goals. Best for establishing habits and maintaining consistency. Use when you need to define the daily, weekly, or monthly actions that drive results.
How to Know Which is Right
It's right if it is a concrete, actionable behavior that you can do consistently, regardless of external factors, and that builds the necessary skills for your other goals.
