Either [our goals are] about doing more of something good, or they’re about doing less of something bad.Goals framed in a positive, constructive way are more powerful than “avoidance goals” in leading us to become more productive.

Frame items in a positive way

To get something done, it helps to get very specific about what we’ll do and when we’ll do it.Setting simple implementation intentions as part of a when-then plan make people as much as three times more likely to achieve their goals.

Create a “when-then” plan

You’ll get more stuff done when you break your bigger daily goals into bite-sized chunks.In practice, you’re basically breaking an item on your to-do list down into many mini ones. This makes it feel as though your goals are more within reach.

Make your goals smaller

We’re more likely to get something done when we take a moment to think about why it matters to us personally.Intrinsic goals are motivated by values meaningful to you, such as growth and relationships. These are much more motivating than extrinsic goals—efforts motivated by money, status, or other external factors.

Why your goals matter

Takeaway: 4 scientifically proven ways to make your to-do list a whole lot sexier: frame the items on your list in a positive light; think about why your goals matter to you personally; divide your goals into bite-sized chunks; and create a "when-then" plan. Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes, 37s.

Frame items in a positive way

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