"This book describes techniques that will enable you to attain any goal you choose... but you must be prepared to pay a price." — Raymond Hull
"It is foolish to expect this technique or any other to make you a physician without the necessary university training."
Hull emphasizes that goals must be realistic stepping stones, building on your current abilities and circumstances.
One of Hull's most profound insights was understanding that vague desires produce vague results. A specific, clearly defined goal creates a target for both your conscious and subconscious mind to work toward.
This principle has since been validated by modern psychological research. Studies show that specific, measurable goals lead to higher performance than general goals like "do your best." When your mind knows exactly what to aim for, it can direct your attention, mobilize effort, and increase persistence.
Many people express desires in vague terms:
These general statements fail to provide your mind with a clear direction. They're like telling a taxi driver, "Take me somewhere nice" instead of providing a specific address.
Vague desires produce vague results. Specific goals produce specific achievements.
Hull observed that vague desires lead to:
To transform vague desires into achievable goals, Hull developed a powerful three-part framework that guides you from initial desire to actionable objective:
Create a comprehensive list of desires, then select those that resonate most strongly. Hull recommends starting with 10 items to give yourself options without becoming overwhelmed.
"Write a list of ten things that you want. Be honest, then, in compiling the list of ten things that you want."
Arrange goals in order of achievability, not importance. This creates a sequence of small wins that builds momentum and strengthens your belief in the process.
"At the top place the item that you believe is the easiest to attain. That is the item you will work on first."
Transform each goal into a detailed specification, describing precisely what success looks like. Include measurable criteria, timelines, and multiple indicators of achievement.
"Avoid generalities such as 'Prosperity' or 'Travel.' Be specific. Instead of 'Money,' state 'An income of $30,000 a year.'"
Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of Hull's method is his approach to goal sequencing. Unlike conventional wisdom that suggests pursuing your most important goals first, Hull recommends starting with the easiest goals.
Counterintuitive Approach
This approach is based on profound psychological insight:
Success with small goals creates belief in the methodology and your ability to achieve larger goals
Each achievement reinforces positive neural pathways and behaviors, creating a success flywheel
You develop proficiency with the techniques through practice on simpler objectives before tackling complex ones
Modern psychology confirms this approach. Studies on habit formation and goal achievement show that early wins activate the brain's reward system, increasing motivation and likelihood of continued effort.
Hull provides seven specific guidelines for effective goal setting:
Replace generalities with precise descriptions that could be understood by anyone
Avoid setting goals that conflict with each other or create contradictions
Only list goals you're willing to work for consistently over time
Begin with goals within reach of your current abilities and resources
Frame goals in ways that don't require injuring others or creating negative outcomes
Focus on what you want, not what you don't want; state goals positively
Keep your goals private until they're substantially achieved to avoid premature satisfaction and external discouragement
Below is an example of transforming a vague desire into a clear, actionable goal using Hull's methodology:
"By June 30th, I will weigh 165 pounds (down from my current 180). I will be able to run a full mile in under 10 minutes without walking. I will have developed a consistent exercise routine consisting of 30 minutes of activity 5 days per week, alternating between cardio and strength training. My resting heart rate will be below 70 beats per minute, and I will fit comfortably into size 32 pants."
Measurable criteria for success
165 pounds, mile in under 10 minutes
Specific timeline
By June 30th (clear deadline)
Multiple confirmatory indicators
Weight, fitness level, heart rate, clothing size
Clear, positive language
Focuses on what will be achieved, not what will be avoided
This level of detail makes the goal concrete and provides multiple ways to track progress, significantly increasing the likelihood of success.
Open your scratchpad and create your list of 10 desires, then arrange them from easiest to most challenging.
You can always revise this list later in the app. The important part is starting the process of clarifying what you truly want.