How I achieved more by not having any goals
Detach from the result and focus on the journey
This article is quite controversial to my own beliefs.
I’ve always believed that in order to grow, achieve something, and be successful, you need to have a goal and a plan. I still believe it.
But this year I realized that some things are easier to achieve without any goals.
Let me explain.
For the past years, I’ve been writing down my goals for the new year. I write down relationships, health, career, develop, and other. Then I add my goals for each group.
For a few years in a row, some of the goals have been the same, because I didn’t achieve them. This year I did.
Here are a couple of examples.
Business turnover
I’ve had a number that I have wanted to reach for a while, but still haven’t. This year I will.
In earlier years, I’ve really tried to get to that number by working a lot. Even with clients that I didn’t enjoy working with. That made me more stressed and unhappy, not loving what I do.
This year, I focused on doing work I enjoy, with clients I enjoy working with. When doing something you love, you’re able to work more without it feeling like work. And you do a better job. It all adds up.
Relationship
I love being in a relationship. I have a lot of love to give, and I love feeling loved. I’ve done my fair share of one-night stands, and that doesn’t excite me anymore.
In earlier years, I’ve written down get a girlfriend. And to make it measurable, I’ve added or date/meet X girls. Even if I hit that number, no girlfriend.
This year I didn’t write down that goal, but I achieved it. Even if it sounds like a cliché, this year I just focused on being the best version of myself. Not chasing, just letting things happen.
This isn’t the best example, as you never know who you’re going to meet and who will make you feel a certain way. A lot of factors you can’t control. But the lesson is the same.
What I learned from this is that for some goals, you shouldn’t be too specific because it makes you focus on the wrong things.
On my list, I also have read two books per month. Not that difficult. But that makes me focus on the number of books. Quantity, not quality. I rather read fewer books and truly take in the content, instead of hitting a certain number of books but not really taking in the information. The same thing applies to the relationship example.
Again, I’m still a big advocate of setting goals. But not for everything.
I think some things just come naturally when you detach from the result and focus on the journey. Think long-term, and fall in love with the journey.
I hope you see the difference.
