How to Actually Crush Your 2026 Goals (Evidence-Based)

Summary

In this video, Ali shares the GPS Method, a goal-setting system designed to significantly improve your chances of success. The method focuses on three key components: setting a specific and emotionally compelling goal, creating a realistic plan with measurable actions, and implementing a system that tracks progress, offers reminders, and provides accountability. Ali breaks down common mistakes, offers strategies to overcome obstacles, and emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the plan. The GPS Method is an easy, evidence-based approach that can be applied to any goal, helping you turn intentions into results.

Takeaways

• 😀 The GPS method is a goal-setting system that increases your chances of achieving any goal by focusing on three key components: Goal, Plan, and System.
• 😀 To set a clear and actionable goal, you must be specific and concrete. Vague goals like 'stop procrastinating' don't lead to success.
• 😀 Your goal should be emotionally compelling and meaningful. Goals driven by intrinsic motivation are more likely to succeed than those driven by external factors like fame or money.
• 😀 Anti-goals are crucial—set boundaries or constraints to avoid unwanted outcomes while pursuing your goal. For example, reducing visceral fat without sacrificing family time.
• 😀 Breaking down your goal into actionable steps helps clarify the path forward. For example, for fitness goals, you need clear actions like eating healthily and exercising regularly.
• 😀 The plan is the bridge between the goal and the system. It defines the major moves you need to make to reach your goal and must be realistic both in theory and practice.
• 😀 Mental forecasting helps you predict potential obstacles. By anticipating why a goal might fail, you can devise strategies to overcome those hurdles.
• 😀 Tracking progress is essential for goal achievement. Regular monitoring of key metrics helps you stay on course and make necessary adjustments.
• 😀 Reminders play a crucial role in goal success. Whether through journaling, calendar blocks, or apps, consistently reminding yourself of your goals increases the likelihood of achievement.
• 😀 Accountability systems, like check-ins with a mentor or an accountability buddy, can significantly improve your commitment to achieving your goal.
• 😀 The GPS system is quick and easy to implement, taking only 5–10 minutes per goal. It provides a clear framework to identify why you might be struggling and how to overcome challenges.

Q & A

What is the GPS method and how does it help with achieving goals?

The GPS method is a framework designed to help individuals achieve their goals by focusing on three components: Goal, Plan, and System. It helps by breaking down goals into specific tasks, creating a roadmap to follow, and ensuring that there's a system in place for tracking and accountability.

What are the three components of the GPS system?

The three components of the GPS system are: 1) Goal - the specific and compelling objective you want to achieve. 2) Plan - the strategy or steps required to reach the goal. 3) System - the daily and weekly actions, tracking, and accountability that ensure you stick to your plan.

What are the common mistakes people make when setting goals?

Two common mistakes people make when setting goals are: 1) Not being specific enough about the goal, leading to ambiguity. 2) Choosing goals that lack emotional motivation, making it harder to stay committed to the process.

Why is it important to have a clear and specific goal?

Having a clear and specific goal makes it much easier to create a plan and take action toward it. Vague goals like 'stop procrastinating' or 'start a business' are hard to work with, while concrete goals like 'reduce visceral fat by 50%' or 'start a business making $100k a year' give you a clear direction.

How does emotional motivation impact goal achievement?

Emotional motivation is crucial because it helps you stay committed to your goal. Goals driven by intrinsic motivation (personal passion or meaningful reasons) are more likely to succeed than goals driven by extrinsic factors (e.g., fame or money), as they provide deeper personal fulfillment.

What is an anti-goal and why is it important in the GPS method?

An anti-goal is something you want to avoid while working toward your main goal. It serves as a constraint or boundary, ensuring that you achieve your goals without sacrificing important aspects of your life. For example, avoiding excessive work hours while building a business.

What is the difference between a goal and a plan?

A goal is the ultimate objective you wish to achieve, while a plan outlines the specific steps or actions required to reach that goal. The plan acts as the roadmap for the journey, and the goal is the destination.

What is the 'Crystal Ball Method' and how does it help in goal setting?

The Crystal Ball Method involves imagining future obstacles that might prevent you from reaching your goal and predicting the top three reasons why it might fail. By forecasting these challenges, you can proactively plan solutions, making it easier to stick to your plan when difficulties arise.

Why is tracking progress important in the GPS system?

Tracking progress is essential because it provides feedback on how well you're doing and helps you stay motivated. Regular monitoring, whether through apps or journals, allows you to adjust your actions and make micro-decisions that bring you closer to your goal.

How does accountability support goal achievement?

Accountability increases the likelihood of following through on your plans. By having someone (or a group) check in on your progress regularly, you’re more likely to stay committed and take consistent action toward your goal. It creates an external motivation to stick to your system.