Ideation & Assessment

Looking for ideas and ways to assess them while breaking them down? Check out this process for generating, evaluating, and transforming ideas into actionable steps.

Goal and plan ideation

A general approach to generating ideas for goals and plans includes the following steps:

• Define a desired state: Start by identifying the desired state, which is typically about creating value — for example, aiming to feel as good as possible over time.
• Identify challenges and areas for improvement: Pinpoint the challenges, problems, or areas that need improvement to achieve the desired state.
• Seek solutions to overcome challenges: Explore potential solutions to address these challenges, drawing on logical thinking or insights from past experiences.

Example: Desired state: “I feel rested and calm most evenings.” What’s in the way: work emails late at night, scrolling in bed, no time to wind down. Ideas: switch off work notifications at 8 pm, charge the phone outside the bedroom, a 15-minute walk after dinner.

Starting from where you want to be, rather than from the problem, keeps you focused on what matters. Problems are only worth solving when they stand between you and that state.

Given the vast number of potential options and sources of inspiration, ideation is typically intertwined with the assessment of ideas to ensure relevance and feasibility.

Assessment guidelines

Assessing a goal or plan typically involves evaluating both the expected impact and the effort required over time, factoring in timing and likelihood of success.

Impact

The impact of a goal or plan can be evaluated in various ways:

• Aspects of well-being: Evaluate factors like emotional impact, survey results, or levels of satisfaction.
• Quantifiable metrics: Use measurable indicators such as financial outcomes, KPIs, or time savings.
• Pros and cons: Compile a clear list of advantages and disadvantages.
• Challenges and opportunities: Identify potential obstacles and opportunities during implementation.
• Likelihood of success: Assess the probability of positive or negative impact. Long-term plans often carry the highest risk due to unpredictable variables.

Effort and feasibility

Effort is typically assessed by examining:

• Time and energy required: The duration and level of effort needed to execute the plan.
• Investment: Financial or resource-related investments.
• Opportunity cost: Trade-offs of prioritizing this plan over other opportunities.
• Emotional cost: Potential positive or negative feelings — joy doing the task, or stress and frustration.
• Available resources: Whether current resources are sufficient to achieve the goal.
• Likelihood of feasibility: The probability that the required effort can be sustained.

Timeline

The timing of goals or actions significantly influences impact and effort. Goals labeled as “urgent” typically need to be addressed in the short term to remain effective.

Balancing metrics and intuition

Not all decisions can be made solely on metrics, pros and cons, or collective agreement. Sometimes, intuition and feelings play a crucial role — particularly when experience informs what seems most sensible.

Endeavor breakdown

When goals or plans appear too complex, breaking them into smaller, manageable components is essential. This simplifies the process, making it both achievable and motivating. By deconstructing high-level aspirations into clear milestones, you can maintain focus and track progress effectively.

Example: A mountain is climbed one step at a time. A large project is delivered one milestone at a time. Breaking a complex goal into weekly targets makes the path feel achievable.

Your next step

Try today: Describe in one sentence where you'd like to be. List three things in the way. Then write ten ideas in ten minutes, without judging them.

Next in the story

Now you have many ideas. Which one comes first?

Independent Prioritization →