Stop Setting Hollow Goals
posted by Ian Summers on August 26th, 2008
One of the problems with goals is that we rarely meet them. That leads to frustration, anger, discouragement, and more. Another problem with goals is that if they are not desires, they may be based upon shoulds or they may be someone else’s goals like a well-meaning caretaker such as a parent, spouse, teacher, friend, etc.
In the early stages of an idea, or if you’ve stumbled upon a creative endeavor you wish to experiment with, setting goals may destroy some of the spontaneity that makes experimentation so fulfilling. Let things play out naturally, and when you’re ready you’ll know if it’s time to duct tape that idea to the wall.
Goals have their place in the action phase of creating but they are not a calling; rather they help you bring it into being. I helped my clients identify goals for years. I discovered that they usually get lost in some drawer over time.
Today I help people become clear about what they want and desire. Goals are not ends in themselves. They are actions which may help you answer your calling.
Tags: desires, hollow goals. goals, wants
