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I think by now everyone agrees that goals = good. They give you something concrete and measurable to work towards. They can provide clarity in decision making. And they can motivate you to get stuff done.
But what if you have no goals?
What if you don’t know what your end point looks like? You’ve got your big, beautiful dream but it’s still a little bit vague – like maybe you want to work from home in the future, but you don’t know yet what that ‘work’ will be. You’re not quite sure what specific outcomes you need just yet, so it feels impossible to set concrete actions.
At this point it would be really easy to throw it in the too-hard basket for later — that elusive ‘one day.’ Not so fast!
What do you do instead?
You know what you want, roughly. While you might not be able to create actionables yet, instead you can point yourself in the right direction.
The fun thing is, you have no idea where it will lead. But if you’re open with your intentions and pay attention, you’ll be surprised at what turns up — people, books, blogs, training courses, events.
That’s how I ended up here, actually. I mentioned my (then dormant) interest in personal development to a colleague. He pointed me to a few sites I might like (which I now know are actually blogs, ha). One of those bloggers was starting a writer’s forum. Oh that’s right, I used to love writing! Maybe setting up a blog would be a good way to practice. Hmmm, I know nothing about blogging, maybe I’ll check out these sites/books/bloggers and see what’s what…
Now, as well as owning this little piece of the web, I’ve discovered two really valuable courses, learned a whole bunch, and met many lovely, supportive, inspiring bloggers. And, best of all, actual plans are starting to get clear and (gasp!) I want to practice setting some goals to see what I can achieve.
If you’re aimed in the right direction, things will fall into your path that will help you to clarify your vision. You will get a taste of what you’re chasing and see opportunities to move further along the path.
No goals – no worries!
Slowly immerse yourself in that world and you’ll gain the knowledge and insight you need to set up specific goals. But please don’t let a lack of clarity put you off — because nothing will happen if you stay where you are!
In the comments below, tell me — do you have concrete goals? If not, what’s one step you can take in the right direction for your big fuzzy dream?
I like this. The other way I like to describe a lack of goals is “finding your true North” – as long as you’re going in the direction you care about, there really isn’t anything to worry about.
Thanks Luke, and awesome perspective!
As long as you know you are walking in the right direction, you have to have faith the path will appear. Hey it might even be better than you imagine! Great take on a new perspective 🙂
Exactly! Thanks Sarah 🙂
That has been me many times. But when I’ve just started moving, not just preparing to move, I find that I’m on the lookout for possibilities that I may have otherwise not noticed. Goals are great, but sometimes we act like we can’t get started until everything is in perfect focus. It’s the “just enough light for the step I’m on” kind of wisdom.
Yep, excellent outlook Shawn – thanks for sharing!
I love this, Tahlia! I am generally someone who thrives on goal setting, but at times, it is freeing to not have goals and just live in the present. But, then I can tend to feel guilty because I am not striving for something specific and measurable. So, I love your reframing of “goalless” to “moving in the right direction.” Thank you for giving this to me today! (I found you in the Intentional Blogging group)
I’m glad I could help, thanks Holly! Great to have you here 🙂
The last thing you said couldn’t be more accurate, “don’t let a lack of clarity put you off — because nothing will happen if you stay where you are!” Clarity can only come from engagement. We have to keep on engaging in things that could possibly clear out the fuzz in our big dream. 🙂
You’re spot on Lyn! 🙂
I’ve done the whole ‘begin with the end in mind’ with the over-arching ‘how do I want my kids, wife, coworkers, clients, etc. to remember me’ That has helped me clarify some goals and ask myself this question: What, if I do it consistently, will help lead to the result I desire most in the relationships or endeavors I’ve listed?” I try to filter decisions and efforts through that question. And I do try to come up with an annual list of goals that will feed those values or purposes.
I’m rambling. Yes. I make goals. No, i don’t always meticulously do what it takes to achieve them. But also, I know they gently guide me in the direction I’d like to go.
That sounds really effective Brett, thank you!
How marvelous that I came to this blog by way of an Amazon comment you made (I think it was you….?). I have been thinking off and on all day about having no goals and how that makes me feel. My God, when I saw this as the first piece on your blog site, I swear I heard the Twilight Zone theme playing!
My basic thoughts have been about the way we’re geared towards achievements, leaving things behind, or reaching some randomly assigned point (weight, savings, income, material possessions, etc.). It all seems so self-absorbed and, in the end, futile. Yet – it’s hard to fight against the guilt that nags at me when I spend an entire weekend in p.j.s reading books and watching The Simpsons. Does it really matter?
Much more I’d like to add, but I don’t want to ramble.
Marvelous indeed! You make a really good point – as soon as you make a concrete goal there’s the chance of failure which has all sorts of negatives. And that kind of weekend sounds awesome and life-bettering anyway 🙂
What’s kept rattling in my head the last few days is that I get tired of feeling guilty for not: insert daily task that leads to a better “ideal” self. My goals in life are simple: laugh, make others laugh, do no harm, and see as much of the world/meet as many fascinating people as I can. I dunno….does that make me lazy and unmotivated?
Nope, I think they’re terrific goals!
Thanks, Tahlia, and thanks for the good reading on your blog! You’ve got me thinking, and that’s never a bad thing. 🙂
I love this. As long as you’re moving and evolving that ok. Clarity can come later as you learn more to make better decisions and goals. Removing the pressure 🙂
Thanks Emma 🙂