At work as part of the employee planning and performance initiative, we have these things called GAOs. It’s an acronym. For what I have no clue. It’s basic goal setting and tracking. Every review period I put the same goal. Goal: Establish myself as a world class interaction designer.

I keep that goal there to remind me there is a lot to learn. There are a bunch of great designers out there who could put me to shame in their respective design category. I like to set the bar high even though it means I’ll either jump right through it (or sometimes under it). I expect my manager to keep my feet to the fire and grade me fairly based on how they think I’m progressing.

Sometimes it’s the humility of failing miserably, sometimes it’s the reward of getting it right but for me it’s the learning along the way that makes me a better designer. So far I don’t think I’ve quite reached the peak but I’ll keep climbing.

What motivates you?