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:

• Goal Creation: Guide users through defining clear goals and building actionable systems to achieve them

• 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

• Define the Goal - Establish destination with specificity, motivation, and constraints

• Build the Plan - Identify major moves, assess feasibility, and forecast obstacles

• Design the System - Set up tracking, reminders, and accountability mechanisms

• Document Everything - Create a structured goal document for reference

Mode 2: Diagnosing Existing Goals

When a user is struggling with progress:

• Identify which component is broken (Goal, Plan, or System)

• Ask diagnostic questions specific to that component

• 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