Want to achieve your goals more effectively? The secret lies in understanding the difference between behavioral goals (the actions you take) and outcome goals (the results you want). While most people focus solely on outcomes, research shows that successful transformations often hinge on setting the right behavioral goals. Learn how to use both types of goals in HeroMode to maximize your chances of success!
[A]cross the spectrum, almost everyone set goals... But the more successful change transformations were more likely to set behavioral goals.
-- "Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard", by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
I have been reading the book Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. I was a fan of their previous book, Made to Stick, and Switch has been equally engaging and insightful.
The particular message that got me thinking about HeroMode is on goal setting. More specifically, how to differentiate between behavioral goals and outcome goals. They serve different purposes, and can be quite powerful when applied correctly. However, the opposite is also true. Using outcome goals when behavioral goals are more appropriate can lead to a lot of frustration and failure.
Behavioral vs Outcome Goals
When we set goals, we often conflate what we need to do, versus what we need to achieve. That's because both are very important, but for different reasons.
To reach an outcome, we need to take a series of actions. At the same time, to be motivated to take those actions, the outcome we are aiming for needs to be compelling enough. To reach a destination, we need to take the steps. But each step takes effort, so the destination must be worth it.
| Behavioral Goals | Outcome Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Focus on specific actions and habits | Focus on end results and achievements |
| Control | We have direct control over our actions | Outcome depends on external factors |
| Timeframe | Immediate; each action does not take long | Often longer-term |
| Measurability | Easy to track (did you do it or not?) | Require specific metrics or milestones |
| Examples | "Meditate for 10 minutes daily" | "Be less stressed about work" |
| "Write 500 words every morning" | "Publish a novel by December" | |
| "Exercise 3 times per week" | "Lose 20 pounds" | |
| "Make 20 cold calls every morning" | "Close 5 deals this quarter" | |
| In HeroMode | Quests (especially recurring quests) | Adventure Milestones |
Setting Goals Effectively in HeroMode
When it comes to setting effective behavioral goals, short and sweet is the key. You want actions that can be done in a few minutes, and you want to do it repeatedly to build a habit. Don't overthink it. Don't let perfectionism get in the way. You get better at something by doing it. The more you do, the better you get. Quantity leads to quality. Every masterpiece is the tip of a giant iceberg, where the years of practice and refinement are hidden beneath the surface.
In HeroMode, we use quests to set behavioral goals. Quests are actions that can be done quickly, say, a few minutes to an hour. And to provide some extra dopamine hit, completing a quest rewards you with coins and points.
You can also set up recurring quests to remind you to do something regularly. For example, I have at least a dozen different recurring quests in HeroMode, ranging from monthly rent payment reminders to periodic eye-rest breaks throughout the day.
Make Behavioral Goals Task-based instead of Time-based
If each action is supposed to take a few minutes, then should we set up quests like "Read for 5 minutes" or "Exercise for 30 minutes"?
While these quests should move you in the right direction, the most effective quests are task-based instead of time-based. For example, "Read 10 pages of a book" or "Do 10 pushups". Each quest should still be bite-sized, but the definition of the task should be clear. Time-based quests obscures away the real work and misrepresents progress. Remember, time passes even when you are not doing anything. We've all had the experience of staring at a book page for some time without actually absorbing the content.
Above: Using repeat quests to define tasks and actions.
Use Adventure Milestones to Set Outcome Goals
While we use quests to set behavioral goals and take actions, usually these actions are not the end goal. We don't do pushups for the sake of doing pushups. Rather, it's part of a bigger vision, like becoming a healthier and stronger person.
That's why behavioral goals are only meaningful in the context of an outcome goal. Outcome is the true destination, and the actions are the steps to get there. We can (mostly) control our actions. But along the way, there will always be external factors that get in the way. Actions are necessary but not sufficient condition for reaching an outcome. So we need to keep our eyes on the prize, and remember the outcome we are striving for. At the same time, we need to be flexible and adapt to challenges that come up.
In HeroMode, outcome goals can be set using Adventure Milestones. Each adventure can have several milestones, representing key moments along the journey.
Above: Using Adventure Milestones to set outcome goals.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between behavioral and outcome goals can transform how you approach personal growth. While outcome goals give us direction and motivation, behavioral goals are where the real magic happens — they're the little bite-sized actions that ultimately lead to success.
In HeroMode, you have tools for both: Quests for those crucial daily behaviors, and Adventure Milestones for the big outcomes you're shooting for. Remember, every great achievement is built on the foundation of small, consistent actions. So start small, focus on behaviors you can control, and let the outcomes follow naturally from your sustained effort!