goal-factoring

Goal factoring is a rationality technique that decomposes actions into their underlying goals to surface hidden motivators. By analyzing what an action actually achieves, it reveals whether better paths exist to reach your true objectives and optimizes overall decision-making outcomes.

To change a habit using goal factoring, identify a regular action and elicit every goal it serves, including aversions. Brainstorm alternative ways to achieve each goal, then synthesize and run a replacement test to ensure new habits align with your real goals.

Apply goal factoring to resolve conflicts when you need to uncover the hidden motivators driving opposing actions. Eliciting the true goals behind each side's behavior allows you to generate alternatives and synthesize solutions that better serve everyone's underlying objectives.

The goal factoring process includes goal elicitation to identify all motivators, alternative generation to brainstorm better paths, and synthesis with a reality check. A replacement test evaluates coverage, efficiency, and feasibility to ensure plans align with real goals.

Goal factoring works for major life decisions and habit design alike. By mapping the underlying goals of any regular action and comparing alternatives, you can evaluate whether your current path is the most efficient way to achieve your desired outcomes.