How to Use Outcome Goals (Without Getting Stuck or Burned Out)

Jannene Roth
Jun 6
3 min read

Have you ever set a big goal like “I;m going to lose 20 points,” or “I want to write a book” - only to fizzle out halfway through?

That’s the power - and the problem - of outcome goals.

In this post we’ll break down:

What outcome goals are (and why they work)
When to use them - and when not to
How to turn outcome goals into real progress
A simple way to get started today

Let’s dive in.

What Is an Outcome Goal?

An outcome goal is a goal focused on the end result - what you want to achieve.

Examples:

Lose 20 pounds
Save $10,000
Get promoted to team lead
Reach 1,000 newsletter subscribers

Outcome goals are powerful because they give you clarity. They paint a clear picture of success and help you measure your progress. They also tap into your brain’s reward system - visualizing success can increase motivation and focus.

But they have a big weakness: outcome goals don’t tell you how to get there.

Why Outcome Goals Alone Aren’t Enough

Outcome goals are like your destination on a GPS. But if you don’t plan the route, you’ll get lost.

Too often, we set a big goal but don’t map out the steps - or worse, we try to control things we can’t control (like how fast something grows or how others respond).

That’s where people burn out.

Example:

Let’s say you want to earn $1,000 from a digital product in 30 days. That’s a clear outcome - but without a plan to create, market, and sell, it stays a wish.

When to Use Outcome Goals

Use outcome goals when:

You need long-term vision
You’re setting quarterly or yearly goals
You want to track specific progress

Outcome goals help you focus your efforts, make better decisions, and stay committed over time. They’re perfect at the start of a new project, career phase, or habit change.

When NOT to Use Outcome Goals

Outcome goals can backfire if:

Your in a learning phase (focus on effort instead)
You’re building daily habits (outcomes feel too distant
You don’t control the result (like going viral or getting chosen for an award)

In those cases, process goals or habit goals work better.

Mini example:

“I want 1,000 followers” is an outcome goal, “I’ll post 3 times per week and engage daily” is a process goal - and you have full control over it.

How to Make Outcome Goals Work

Here’s a 4-step method to turn your big goals into real action:

Be Sepcific and Measurable

Instead of “get healthier” say “run a 5k in under 30 minutes by July 1st.”

Break it Down

Reverse-engineer your outcome into small, actionable steps - these are your process goals.

Track Progress Weekly

Use performance metrics or habit trackers to stay on course. Adjust as needed.

Reflect Regularly

Ask:

What’s working?
What’s slowing me down?
Do I still want this outcome?

How to Get Started Today

Here’s your action step:

Pick one area of your life - health, finances, creativity, career.
Set one outcome goal. Make it specific and time-bound.
List 2-3 process goals to support it.
Take one small action this week.

Example:

Outcome Goal: Launch a digital product and make $1,000 in 30 days.
Process Goals:
- Write sales page by Friday
- Send 2 emails to my list
- Promote on social media 3x/week