Setting and achieving weekly goals can be challenging. However, with the right approach, you can transform this task into a streamlined process that yields consistent results. Enter the A-goals method—a strategy I learned that will you accomplish your weekly objectives regardless of circumstances.
I want to share how to use the A-goals method to consistently meet your weekly goals. I’ve got the original method as it was taught to me and how I’ve adapted it over time – both are explained below.
Understanding A-Goals
The A-goals method involves setting specific, actionable, and achievable goals to tackle within a week. Sounds familiar, right?
There are key differences in how we set and think about these weekly goals:
A-Goals are weekly goals, ideally 1-3, that you commit to completing no matter what by the end of the week.
These aren’t just tasks on your to-do list – they’re the most critical things to advance your projects and priorities.
You’re making an unbreakable promise to yourself to check off these specific goals as “done” by the week’s end.
My problem years ago was setting disconnected quarterly or yearly goals, and setting goals only based on current projects or tasks. There wasn’t a connection or drive that helped me with short term weekly goals.
Unlike my past goal setting, A-goals are clear and manageable, ensuring focus, accountability, and getting shit done.
The Original A-Goals Method
The original A-goals method taught by David Wood consists of a few simple steps:
- Make your A-Goals public. Share them with an accountability partner or group at the beginning of the week. This could be a friend, coach, mastermind group, or a shared document. Having your goals witnessed by others creates positive pressure.
- Agree on a meaningful consequence if you don’t achieve an A-Goal that week. It should be something painful or unpleasant enough to motivate you. For example: paying $100 to a disliked cause, skipping a favorite weekend activity, or doing a dreaded chore. A consequence makes you more likely to follow through.
- Focus ruthlessly on a few goals. Limit your A-Goals to 3-4 per week. By narrowing it down, you identify what’s truly important to move forward. Other tasks are okay, but A-Goals take top priority.
- A-Goals get done no matter what. Did someone make an A-Goal redundant by doing it for you? Doesn’t matter, you still do it.
The last one may seem extreme or silly.
The point is to build the habit of doing everything you tell yourself to do; creating personal accountability and accomplishing tasks no matter what.
It will help you stop creating insignificant A-Goals.
Adapting the A-Goals Method
While the original A-goals method is effective, certain tweaks can make it more suited to your personal workflow – productivity methods should be adjusted to fit your taste and needs.
Here’s how I’ve adapted the A-goals method for my needs:
- Front and Center: My A-Goals go onto a big whiteboard in my office that I can see from my desk. I see them at least 30 times per day, and when I glance around. It helps maintain my focus.
- Time Blocking: I allocate specific time blocks for working on A-Goals and it’s at the beginning of the day when I have the most energy and focus. Do not put these off – if they’re truly the most important, they deserve to be done first.
Personal Experience with A-Goals
Since using A-Goals, I complete my weekly goals 95% of the time. The method’s clarity and structure significantly boosted my productivity and improved my work-life balance.
When I finish my A-Goals, I feel good. It’s great to physically cross them off the whiteboard.
I believe in the physical aspect – having them in front of you helps you stay focused and see your progress.
Another method might be a “new tab” extension for your browser (working on this at the moment), a piece of paper taped to your desk, or a sticky note on the bottom of your computer monitor.
Bullet Point Summary: How to Use the A-Goals Method
Suggestions to make A-Goals work for you:
- Include A-Goal brainstorming and planning in your weekly review on Sunday or Monday.
- Keep your A-Goals visible throughout the week (on a whiteboard, Post-It note, etc)
- Enlist a friend or group to hold you accountable.
- Celebrate your weekly wins when completing your A-Goals to reinforce your progress. Crossing it off a whiteboard may be enough, or maybe you set up other rewards.
