Written Goal Accountability System
Write the target, build the routine, and hold activity accountable
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time to result
- ~ongoing to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 93%
David Temko describes a goal-setting approach he learned through Psycho-Cybernetics, a book his father valued and passed to him. The system begins by making a goal explicit and writing it down. The person then identifies the routine and recurring activity that move toward the target, puts themselves in position for the outcome to occur, and holds themselves accountable for continuing the work. Temko compares the body to a heat-seeking missile that moves toward a defined objective. He also notes that written goals do not all arrive on the same schedule: some happen sooner and some later. The mechanism is therefore not writing alone, but the combination of a recorded target, aligned routine, repeated activity, and personal accountability over an uncertain timeline.
Origin
Extracted from Coffeez for Closers. David Temko attributed the approach to Psycho-Cybernetics by Max W. Maltz, a book his father liked and passed on to him.
Core principles
- 01A written goal gives activity a defined target
- 02Routine converts intention into repeated movement
- 03People must put themselves in position for a goal to happen
- 04Some goals arrive sooner and others later
- 05Accountability keeps the written target connected to action
How to run it
- 1
Define the target
Choose a specific personal or business outcome worth pursuing. Make it clear enough that progress can be reviewed.
Pro tip Temko keeps multiple goals across fitness, family, and business rather than relying on a vague ambition.
- 2
Write it down
Record the goal so it becomes a stable reference rather than a passing intention. Keep the written target available for review.
Watch out Writing without aligned activity does not complete the system.
- 3
Build the routine
Identify the recurring behaviors that place you in position to reach the goal. Schedule and perform those behaviors consistently.
Pro tip Temko connects his early workout routine with his goal of remaining in the best shape of his life.
- 4
Track accountability
Compare your activity and progress with the written goal. Correct the routine when it is not moving you toward the target.
Watch out Do not confuse stating the goal with earning the outcome.
- 5
Stay active through timing variance
Accept that some outcomes take longer than others while continuing to perform the relevant activity. Judge the system by whether it keeps you moving toward the target.
Pro tip Separate patience about timing from passivity about the work.
In the wild
Temko set a goal to be in the best shape of his life by age 40. At 40, he says he remains in good shape and connects continued progress with his morning routine, surfing, and golf.
→ A written personal target is supported by recurring physical activity rather than left as an aspiration.
Temko names a business goal of growing organically to 5,000 loan officers in five years, while emphasizing that reaching the number depends on having the right people rather than chasing headcount alone.
→ The company has a time-bound direction constrained by the quality of the people it attracts.
Common mistakes
Writing without activity
Temko links written goals with routine and activity, not with passive wishing alone.
Expecting one fixed timeline
He says some written goals happen later and some sooner, so timing variance does not by itself invalidate the process.
Is it for you?
Best for
It is best for personal or business goals that can be advanced through a repeatable routine and reviewed over time.
Not ideal for
It is not ideal for goals that depend entirely on events outside the person's control or lack any actionable routine.
From the transcript
“it's just the power of uh making goals writing them down and you're and having the routine and the activity to hit them”
“when you write it down the universe kind of manifests it if you put yourself in the position for it to happen”
“write your goals down and hold yourself accountable”
From the episode
Getting to Know David Temko