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Means–Ends Analysis

Compare your starting point with the goal, then choose a step that closes the gap.

What is Means–Ends Analysis?

Comparing where you are with the goal, choosing a step that closes the gap, and when that step needs something first, making that the next goal.

What you learn

Work back from the goal to a step you can take today.

When it helps

a goal feels far away, or the obvious first step depends on something not yet true.

Use it at work

  1. Write the goal.
  2. Ask what must be true just before it.
  3. Keep asking until you reach something you can do today.
  4. Do that step, then work forward.

Your output

For your next goal, write what must be true just before it, then before that, until you reach something you can do today.

Watch for

Starting with the obvious action without checking what it depends on.

Related practices

Sources

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Created by Alan Hurt. Activities and notes are stored on your device. Privacy · Usage counts

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