I offer to your attention an algorithm for setting goals that has a neuroscientific justification. I refer to the modern Bayesian theory of the brain, one of the most famous popularizers of which is Karl Friston. This approach is also based on the theory of functional systems of the Soviet academician P.K. Anokhin.
Scientists often compare the brain to a cybernetic system. The activity of any cybernetic system is always purposeful and self-regulating. That is, the brain always works towards some result, whether we realize it or not. The brain encodes information about achieving results in the following sequence:
That is, when we set a goal, the brain consistently creates a vision of
1. desired end states, or goals (makes predictions);
2. current state, which includes assessments and perceptions of the world relevant to the goals (opportunities and states in the present time);
3. ways potentially capable of transforming the current state into the target state. These are skills, strategies, step-by-step plans that help to move towards goals.
The book by Maria Svet "Introduction to the Neurophysiology of Conceptual Thinking" and personal communication with the author helped me to formulate this algorithm.
Take a pen and paper and start formulating your actual goal, following the algorithm. I draw your attention to the fact that this is precisely a sequence of actions, that is, it is important to follow this algorithm, without changing the steps.
1. WHAT?
Create a clear vision of the desired result. In many sources this is called visualization.
TOOLS
The well-known SMART will help you. But not only it. The more measurable criteria for the result, the better. Help the brain see the most specific result. I will ask you questions to create a concrete vision of the result:
· How will you know that you have achieved the result?
· If others see the result, how will they know that you have achieved the result?
It is important that you are an active participant in this vision, and not watch a movie about yourself from the side:
· What do you feel when you have achieved the result?
· How do they see you?
· What do you do?
· What do you think?
2. WHY?
Please note: the brain creates a vision of desired end states. This is about motivation. This is very important. Without motivation, there will be no movement towards the result. Motivation is energy. It is born from the difference between the current state and a more advantageous (desired) potentially possible future. If expressed neurobiologically more correctly, the presence of motivation is the release of dopamine in certain brain structures. If there is no dopamine, you will not take the first steps towards the result.
TOOLS
· Clarify the importance of the goal (Why do you need this? How will achieving the goal change your life? How will achieving this goal affect other goals? Why is this result important? What will you learn by achieving the result? What prospects will open up for you upon achieving the result?)
· Follow positive formulations! We formulate a vision of the desired future. Check if there is a negative particle "not" in your formulation ("I don't want to worry"). If there is, rephrase the phrase without not. The question "I don't want this. Then what do I want?" will help you with this. There are also phrases without not, but with a negative meaning, such as "I want to get rid of my bad habit of interrupting people." The question will also help here: if you get rid of the bad habit of interrupting, what will your communication look like?
· Hypothetical constructive questions ("Imagine that you have achieved the goal. What do you feel? What are they telling you?", etc.)
3. HOW?
Only when a clear vision of the desired goal has been created and there is energy to move forward, a person is able to find a solution on HOW he will move from the present to the desired future. Then the brain can easily generate plans, look for ways to achieve the result and overcome obstacles.
TOOLS
The following questions will help you create a step-by-step plan for moving towards the result (decompose the goal)
· What have you already done to solve the problem?
· What do you currently have to move towards the result?
· What is your plan to achieve the goal?
· What are the specific, time-bound, intermediate results in it?
· What is preventing you from moving towards the result?
· What do you want to start moving with?
Olga Yudina,
founder of the Academy of Innovation Theory,
Candidate of Philological Sciences, author of internationally accredited
training programs for business mentors and professional coaches