According to traditional goal-setting theory, you set a goal, create a plan, and then take action. However, I have started questioning this approach and now believe that, for certain types of endeavors, it is better to set goals in the middle.
Initially, it may seem strange to set goals in the middle, as goals are typically seen as defining the project itself. However, a goal or project consists of various aspects such as ambition, specific targets, timeframes, constraints, and the overall effort required. These elements can be separated, and some may not be necessary, to begin with.
A goal is not a single entity but rather a collection of features. While some elements are essential for taking voluntary action in a particular direction, others are optional. Unless you are a highly systematic goal-setter, you often embark on projects without all the above elements in place.
The key to setting goals effectively is determining when all these elements should be established. Some argue that all elements should be defined before taking action. However, I propose that, for a subset of goals, it might be better to delay finalizing them.
So, which goals should you start in the middle?
I first encountered the idea of setting goals in the middle when working on a language-learning project with Vat. Many aspects of our plan were fixed, such as the time frame, method, and effort required. However, we did not set a specific target initially because we were unsure of the level we would reach.
At first, I thought this might be a disadvantage compared to the typical approach of setting a goal first, as I did in the MIT Challenge. However, I discovered that setting a goal in the middle allowed us to adjust the challenge level and expectations based on the information we acquired.
What is MIT's challenge?
As of my knowledge, as of September 2021, there isn't a specific challenge known as the "MIT challenge." However, it's worth noting that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a renowned institution known for its rigorous academic programs and innovative research.
MIT hosts various competitions, challenges, and events that encourage students to explore and apply their knowledge in different fields. Some examples of such challenges organized by MIT or its students include:
MIT Hacking Medicine: An initiative that brings together students, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for pressing healthcare challenges.
MIT IDEAS Competition:An annual competition that encourages students to develop and implement innovative projects that positively impact communities around the world.
MIT Global Challenge: A competition that invites students and alumni to tackle global challenges by developing sustainable and impactful projects.
MIT Clean Energy Prize: A competition focused on promoting clean energy innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to develop novel technologies and business models in the clean energy sector.
These are just a few examples, and there may be other challenges or competitions organized by different departments, clubs, or student groups within MIT. It's always a good idea to visit MIT's official website or reach out to specific departments or student organizations for the most up-to-date information on any ongoing challenges or competitions.
This suggests a potential guideline; when there is high uncertainty regarding what level of achievement is feasible within a given time frame, it is better to set the specific target in the middle of the process, rather than at the beginning.
This does not mean that no planning takes place, but rather that you plan using the variables you have the most control over, such as overall direction, time frame, effort level, strategies, and constraints.
There are additional reasons to postpone goal-setting:
Recent research indicates that goal-setting may harm performance on complex tasks. This is because complex tasks require full cognitive resources, and monitoring performance also demands cognitive resources. The additional cognitive load can impair performance.
This creates a double challenge for learning projects involving unfamiliar subjects or skills. These projects are characterized by high uncertainty, making it easy to set goals that are either too ambitious or too modest.
Furthermore, they are cognitively demanding in the early stages, often leading to frustration due to inadequate performance. Setting goals in this context may hinder progress if you are constantly aware of those goals while learning.
Does this approach apply to all goals?
The conventional method of setting specific targets works well in familiar domains where past accomplishments can serve as benchmarks for future success. These goals are more straightforward and benefit from the precision and motivation that a specific target can provide from the outset.
On a task level, specific goals are likely to be more useful once your skills have become more advanced. Goal-setting plays a crucial role in deliberate practice when you have already achieved a satisfactory level of performance and aim for continuous improvement.
However, in completely new areas where you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what is achievable, it is advisable to wait before setting specific targets. Instead, focus on constraining your effort and timeline.
For most people, these aspects usually involve less uncertainty, making it easier to stay motivated without coasting or giving up prematurely.
In conclusion, setting goals in the middle can be a beneficial approach for certain types of endeavors, particularly when there is high uncertainty regarding the achievable level of success within a given time frame. By postponing the specific target-setting process, individuals can adjust their goals based on acquired information and better anticipate their progress.
This approach is particularly relevant for learning projects involving unfamiliar subjects or skills, where cognitive demands and performance monitoring can hinder progress if goals are constantly at the forefront of one's mind.
However, it is important to note that the traditional method of setting specific targets works well in familiar domains where past accomplishments can serve as benchmarks for future success. In these cases, specific goals provide precision and motivation from the outset, especially in tasks that require deliberate practice and continuous improvement at an advanced level.
Ultimately, the decision to set goals in the middle or at the beginning depends on the nature of the endeavor and the level of uncertainty involved. Assessing the complexity of the task, the familiarity of the domain, and the individual's comfort with uncertainty can help determine the most effective goal-setting approach.
