I’m so excited to spark controversy amongst all of you ambitious folks out there. You know who I’m talking about, the ones who are out there “crushing their goals no matter what.” It might even be you, already giving me a heavy eye roll for the article title to “forget your goals.”
But here you are, reading this. So I’ll assume you are open minded to changing your mindset behind goals.
Goal obsession is getting ridiculous. Listen, no one needs the added pressure of completing a goal or else being labeled a complete failure to the world, right?
Is anyone else tired of these silly quotes on Instagram that usually have some photo of a man in a tie or some chick leaning against a lambo and a phrase like, “Don’t sleep until you crush your goals.”
No, just… no.
Goal obsession is feeding into our workaholism. It’s like the treat on the other side of a hamster wheel that you’re stuck in, constantly feeling like you’re under performing.
Live Presentation at Hubud
This is why I felt so called to give a presentation on the BS of our obsession with goals. While I was at it, I threw in some beef I currently have with timelines and to-do lists.
You are welcome to disagree, but take a listen and let me know what you think 🙂
I’ll break down some basic points in the summary below, but the good stuff is in the video. So watch it, or at least listen to it. Cool?
Forget the Goals
My biggest beef with goals is that we usually set them for a BS reason. Perhaps we heard another business owner mention the desire for a six figure year, so we adapt that goal too. Or maybe we read somewhere that successful authors get their first book deal by 33, so you should too?
We often fail to set goals that actually serve who we are, our core values, and ideas that truly align with who we are.
If you don’t know your values who what feels aligned with you, check out my Self Discovery Toolkit to get you started!
But also? The goal isn’t the fucking point.
Goals serve the purpose of giving direction. Actually making the goal doesn’t matter as much. This is why I say “forget the goal.” Set it, then let it go.
Changing the goal when it no longer feels good is also badass. It’s badass because it’s a rebellious thing to do nowadays. When you decide it doesn’t work for you anymore, don’t keep at it because you said you would.
Forget the goal. Make a new one.
Or don’t. You don’t suck if you currently don’t have a goal. You’re okay.
Forget the Timelines
Same concept at the goals. How many of you create BS timelines?
What is the reasoning behind your timeline? Because you were told that you need to have a timeline in order to “crush your goals?”
Okay, I don’t know about you, but I am real shitty at accurately accessing what I can accomplish in a given timelines. I always think I can get more done in one afternoon than I actually can.
I also underestimate what I can get done in a year or a few years.
Take a pause and think about your “five year goals” that you made for yourself five years ago. Did you make them? Surpass them?
Or maybe you’re like me and went in an amazing other direction that you never would’ve dreamed of five years ago?
See? You’re getting plenty done. There’s no timeline that you’re “supposed to be on” for adulting. You’re not behind.
Forget the To-Do Lists
So, I’m guilty of being obsessed with to-do lists, but I am getting a lot better at cutting back.
The big thing to remember is releasing the shoulds. You know? All the things you feel like you “should” be doing. I have a whole mini training on that you can watch over in this blog post.
We also make giant lists, which is overwhelming and not helpful. My big suggestion in the video? Only using 3-5 to-do’s per day.
But also, ask yourself these questions:
- Does this need to be done now?
- Does this need to be done by me?
- Does this actually need to be done?
If the answer to any of those questions is “no,” take it off your damn to-do list.
Okay, did you watch the video?
I would love to know you’re opinion, especially if you’re part of those who are goal obsessed (zero shame, my friend). Drop a comment below and share your thoughts.
I would love to learn from you too!
You’ve got this!
