There are countless books on setting goals. They tend to take a similar stance on goals. They explain why you should set goals. They provide the reasons why specific and measurable goals are the key. They discuss how to stay motivated to reach goals. They argue that we need to develop more goals.

But in my experience one of the keys to success is to focus. It isn't just about setting goals. It is about how to narrow down your scope so you can focus on the next step.

This means that we don't work on all goals simultaneously. It means determining which to work on first. The benefit of systems and habits thinking is that you can start to adjust the habits associated with a goal. This helps move towards success automatically. Once the new positive habit becomes automatic your mind is free to explore other goals. But you still need to stay focused to get the new habit to stick.

In a previous post I mention a quote from Steve Jobs regarding focus. He said “that’s been one of my mantras - focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex. You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”

Tony Robbins also believes in the importance of focus. He has said “One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular."

The more we dabble instead of focus, the more likely we fall short of our goals. We have to be able to stay focused. We have to cut through to what is important. Lou Holtz, the famous football coach, used to use a system to remind him and his players to stay focused called WIN. WIN stands for What’s Important Now.

But how do you know which goals to go after? We can make a list based on importance. Or we can make a list of the easiest. Or we can determine which are the most impactful. We can start with the most urgent goals. Or we can decide which ones match our current skill set.

The reality is that there are numerous factors that all matter. Those factors are each important.

Years ago, I read about a tool used by United States Special Operation Forces, Department of Energy, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and others. The tool is the CARVER Matrix. They used the CARVER Matrix to evaluate targets and threats. This would give them a clear picture of which they should address first. It would give them the focus needed to align resources with the highest value missions and objectives. (Note - Here is a thorough explanation of a CARVER matrix with an example chart.)

Here are the steps for creating a CARVER Matrix.

1. Start with 6 categories - Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect and Recognizability. These will be the columns in the matrix.

2. Next determine various targets, goals, objectives, missions etc. These will be the rows in the matrix.

3. Then complete the matrix by ranking each target with each factor on a scale of 1-5 for each category.

4. Total up each target to get a cumulative score which can then be used to rank the targets. The highest score is the one to attack first.

I have used this methodology for many different projects over the years. By changing the categories to factors that matter for the current state of the project, you can create a matrix to help determine importance.

I used it to vet expert resources to include in a project that our organization was undertaking to assist startup businesses. I used this to determine which goals in my personal life I should attack first. I even used it to evaluate job opportunities prior to my latest employment. Each time, I replaced the CARVER factors with 6 factors that I felt were important. When I did this, it helped me to better understand each goal, target, or resource. Doing this made decision-making clearer. (Note - Here is an article that goes further into how to incorporate the CARVER Matrix in your personal life).

The CARVER Matrix is a useful tool which provides a systematic process to evaluate goals. It gives us direction to help stay focused. If you find yourself with competing priorities use this tool. Replace the CARVER characteristics with the most important factors for your situation. This will give you a clear order in which you can then systematically focus your efforts.