Tracking progress increases chances of achieving a goal

Summary

• Studies find that tracking progress by writing it down dramatically increases the chances that you will reach that goal.

Details

• This may be because it allows us to identify areas that need improvement
• It may also give us positive feedback when we see our progress over a long period of time

References

• Feel-Good Productivity - How to Do More of What Matters to You - Ali Abdaal

Quotes

This progress-tracking can have a profound effect. In 2016, researchers combined 138 studies consisting of almost 20,000 participants to conduct a meta-analysis of its effects. They found that tracking progress, whether through writing down progress goals (like whether you completed the training sessions you aimed to do) or writing down output goals (like your 5km time), dramatically increases your chances of actually attaining that goal. Why? First, because tracking your progress helps you identify any areas where you may be falling behind, or where you need to make adjustments. By monitoring your progress, you can identify patterns, habits or obstacles that may be hindering your progress.

Related

• lessons from running
• 01 Make it visible
• Track your progress
• Track your financial progress
• Monitoring and tracking makes change more likely