What has Nike and Apple figured out with their new Nike+ combination?

Goal setting does not work. Now that’s a funny thing for me to write – because as a certified hypnotist and motivational speaker, I deliver half-day workshops on goal setting for the corporate and educational environments. The problem with goal setting is that all those carefully planned goals never meet their equal in action.

But judge for yourself. Think of the last time you witnessed the latest and greatest motivational guru encouraging you to write down your “big hairy goals” that will lead you into a better life. You might have felt pumped up and ready go, but a week later our motivational fuel has flat-lined.

So here’s another little mind-hack that will move you forward to accomplish the things that matter most in your life. Your success depends on more than just having a clear picture of your goals. Remember that last week I shared the secret to making a five minute commitment that makes all the difference. This week’s recipe is even simpler.

Train your reticular activating system by keeping score. Whatever habit or behavior you want to improve, create your own little scorecard that will show you whenever you look, whether you are winning or losing the race to your dreams. Sounds simple enough.

That's exactly what the Nike+ system is doing. It is a great example of how people are using technology to "live by the numbers" and in a way that is improving their results on a daily basis. For example, consider this personal account of weight loss from this recent Fast Company article in June.

In the hypnosis industry, we know that where you focus your attention, and measure what matters, you will see results. Feedback is the key. In sports we call it learning to play “time and score situation.” And it is this kind of scoreboarding that can make life’s challenges like playing your favorite game.

Now here’s the key: if you want to stop doing something (stop smoking or lose weight by eating less snack food) don’t keep score of the negative behaviors, because they too will increase with attention (to your disappointment) even if that is not the result you want. If you are ready to STOP an unwanted behavior, start keeping score of the opposite. For example, if you want to be smoke free, start counting the hours (yes write it down!) between cigarettes.

Make a chart and watch your progress. At first you may be surprised at how the results vary. But just like a game, keep playing and keep your eye on the time and score. Your competitive juices will kick in and seeing your improvement will fuel even greater efforts. Combined with the five minute commitment, these small steps towards goals will become their own reward.

So create your own scoreboard and you will be on your way to winning the next match in your game of life.