What happens when you attach consequences to your goals?

I used to struggle from time to time with getting my important work done each week.

Like most people, I'd write down my goals and then get busy with an urgent task that crossed my desk.

Thankfully, I came across a method that really helped change the way I operated.

It's a simple weekly system based around "A Goals," and it works differently from typical goal-setting approaches. The key isn't in making more lists or trying harder - it's in a specific combination of commitment and meaningful consequences.

I've been using this method for years now, and it's helped me turn my most important goals from good ideas into reality…

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Why Weekly Goals?

I remember when my goal-setting was all over the place. I'd create goals during annual planning or when a new quarter started, but they never felt that connected to my daily work.

Most of these goals would end up somewhat forgotten after the first couple of weeks until my next quarterly review.

That's when I learned about a different approach from my business coach. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I narrowed my focus to just the weekly timeframe.

Weekly goals turned out to be perfect for me. They're short enough to stay urgent but long enough to accomplish something meaningful - just remember to connect them to your longer term goals…for myself I write those down on my whiteboard as a reminder.

But the real help wasn't just picking weekly goals. It was about making them stick through two powerful forces: commitment and personal consequences.

I discovered that when I made my goals public with an accountability group and attached real consequences to not completing them, something shifted in my brain. These weren't just wishes anymore - they became non-negotiable commitments.

Think about the difference between saying "I'd like to finish this project this week" and "I will absolutely finish this project this week, or I'll have to donate $100 to a cause I don't support." That's the kind of mental shift I'm talking about.

This Week’s Favorite

Make Goals Work For You

Here's exactly how I make this goal system work:

First, I keep it simple with my A Goals. I pick just 3-4 important tasks for the week. Any more than that, and I'm setting myself up for failure.

Does it happen from time to time? Sure. Just try and keep them to a minimum.

I've found Monday mornings work best for setting these goals. I take a few minutes to review my projects and decide what absolutely must get done that week.

The next step is making the goals visible. I write them on a whiteboard in my office where I'll see them 20-30 times each day.

You might prefer a digital dashboard or a note on your phone - just make sure you'll see it often.

Now comes the accountability part. You have two options here:

Group Method:

• Share your goals with an accountability partner or group

• Write them in a shared document everyone can see

• Meet weekly to check in on progress

Solo Method (This is what I’m using now):

• Put your goals somewhere highly visible

• Review them every morning

• Track your completion rate

The consequence part is crucial. I pick something that would actually bother me if I had to do it. For example, missing a fun event with friends or donating money to a cause I don't support.

Remember, these A Goals aren't your only tasks for the week. They're just the ones that absolutely must get done. I still work on other projects and tasks - these are just my non-negotiables.

A quick tip: start small. Pick just one or two A Goals your first week. It's better to succeed with a few goals than to fail with many.

I check off each goal as I complete it. It just feels good :)

Extra Extra

• How important is setting specific goals in terms of productivity? Very important.

• Need a holiday read and into travel & history? Check out my recent review of Central Asia: A Traveller’s Companion.

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