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I dislike the term, but something like goals are useful to have and I enjoy them. But to me, they are more like visions of how I would want things to be. While

by klabb3 2y ago

I dislike the term, but something like goals are useful to have and I enjoy them. But to me, they are more like visions of how I would want things to be. While clearly defined goals can be helpful when dealing with other people who frequently move goalposts, for my personal “goals” I find that those narrowly defined milestones are not helpful for motivation, nor a particularly good proxy for what’s really important. Weirdly, I’ve been way, way more consistent with my somewhat loose “vision” than I ever saw in corporate life, where goals would change frequently depending on popular buzzwords, reorgs, new grand poobah hires, etc. That’s made me think of goals more as a coping mechanism for a jittery “inner compass” or lack of direction. But of course, all of these terms have different connotations for different people.

chii 2y ago
exactly. Goals are not what you do. Goals are sort of like desires, or outcomes you want, but you don't do a goal every day. By building up habits and systems and processes, and do them every day, the routine will eventually lead to a goal.
atoav 2y ago
Thst is why I used metaphorical language here. Goals sound very well defined like something from a business plan. And granted, sometimes it is nice to have well defined goals, e.g. when you are in a group or some other situation where having a bit more objectively formulated expectations help. Life coaches would tell you you should not only formulate goals, but also say within which time you want to get there. As you I found this can kill all joy. A vague vision is sometimes better as it can be adjusted to life circumstances. E.g. if you're a musician of course your vision is to make good music of a certain style, but as you are one part of a band within a uncertain environment anything more precise than a vague "move the band forward" would need to be overhauled every other month. But for other

by klabb3 2y ago

chii 2y ago

exactly. Goals are not what you do. Goals are sort of like desires, or outcomes you want, but you don't do a goal every day. By building up habits and systems and processes, and do them every day, the routine will eventually lead to a goal.

atoav 2y ago

Thst is why I used metaphorical language here. Goals sound very well defined like something from a business plan. And granted, sometimes it is nice to have well defined goals, e.g. when you are in a group or some other situation where having a bit more objectively formulated expectations help. Life coaches would tell you you should not only formulate goals, but also say within which time you want to get there. As you I found this can kill all joy. A vague vision is sometimes better as it can be adjusted to life circumstances. E.g. if you're a musician of course your vision is to make good music of a certain style, but as you are one part of a band within a uncertain environment anything more precise than a vague "move the band forward" would need to be overhauled every other month. But for other