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- Ep. 35: Where is your GPS set?
Happy Good Friday, all! 🪷
This week, I want to share a quick and easy way to get your goals, or your kids, on track. The framework is uber-powerful because it can be applied to any goal, albeit academic, personal, or professional.
The system I use in my Executive Function course is called, GPS.
G: Goal
P: Plan
S: System
Ever meet a ‘lost person’—the repercussion of not having a GPS is a confused life! Just like navigating with a GPS device, setting clear goals, devising a solid plan, and implementing a reliable system can help you reach your destination in life.
Before I explain, please take this free download (just make a copy and download) to develop your GPS!
Goal: Setting Your North Star
Goals are like the destination you set in your GPS. They give you direction and purpose, guiding your actions and decisions. Whether it's a 4.0 in school, losing weight (or gaining), or mastering a new skill at work, clear goals provide the motivation and focus needed to move forward.
Example: Sarah wants to improve her public speaking skills. Her goal is to confidently deliver a presentation to a large audience without feeling anxious.
Plan: Plotting Your Course
Once you have a goal in mind, it's essential to chart a course to reach it. Plans outline the steps and strategies you'll take to achieve your objectives. They break down daunting tasks into manageable actions, helping you stay organized and on track.
Example: Sarah's plan involves enrolling in a public speaking course, practicing regularly in front of a mirror, seeking feedback from mentors, and gradually increasing the size of her audience.
System: Fueling Your Progress
Systems are the routines, habits, and structures that support your goals and plans. They provide consistency and momentum, turning occasional efforts into sustained progress. A well-designed system automates certain tasks, reduces decision fatigue, and fosters accountability.
Example: To reinforce her public speaking skills, Sarah establishes a system of daily vocal exercises, weekly presentation rehearsals, and monthly evaluations of her progress. She also joins a Toastmasters club to gain regular speaking opportunities and feedback.
How They Support Each Other
Goal informs Plan and System: Sarah's goal of improving her public speaking skills shapes her plan and system. She focuses her efforts on activities directly related to this objective.
Plan guides System: Sarah's plan dictates the specific actions she takes within her system. Each component of her system aligns with the steps outlined in her plan, ensuring coherence and efficiency.
System reinforces Goal: Sarah's consistent adherence to her system accelerates her progress toward her goal. By integrating speaking practice into her daily routine, she steadily builds confidence and proficiency.
The GPS approach—Goal, Plan, System—provides a roadmap for personal development, guiding you from aspiration to achievement. Remember, every step forward brings you closer to realizing your full potential!
I developed/adapted these ideas from the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and my favorite productivity YouTuber, Ali Abdaal.
I’ll see you all next week & Happy Easter! 🪷
Self control becomes the real pleasure in life, temptations become the regret
Deepak
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