I hate goal setting.
While I love order, structure, and plans, I hate the restriction that things have to go a certain way.
(except how to load the dishwasher. There is a right way, it’s the way I do it, and if you don’t do it that way and I need to put something in the dishwasher…. yes I will rearrange what you did. Quietly. Because I also know it’s wackadoodle behaviour. #self-awareness)
However, a few months ago I took the advice of someone I trust, and started a list of 1000 goals.
The idea behind it was this:
Usually when we set a goal, we have one focus, and we work on it until it is done.
We achieve the goal, celebrate, and then drop into a bit of a “post-goal slump”
The antidote to the slump, to keep the active, creative energy alive, is to have a list of 1000 goals.
Having recovered from burnout, and knowing the dangers of the unending to-do list, I want to clarify: this is not about being perpetually busy.
This is not about having a workload that is never ending.
It’s quite the opposite.
It’s about having things that you are looking forward to. Things that you want to put time into, that will reward you with energy, satisfaction, and happiness.
Let me tell you, I haven’t listed 1000 goals yet. I’ve reached about 200.
But something magical has happened.
I keep on having ideas of goals I want to accomplish.
So many ideas.
And this is the magic: I’m doing them. I’m actually achieving more goals than every before.
And I’m not more tired. And I’m not staying up later to do them.
I seem to be choosing how to spend my time differently. More of my time is spent doing things that make me happy, and help me move forward in life.
Hey, I’m no saint. I still spend too much time scrolling. (those social media engineers are smart and really know how to make those things addictive).
And I’m still doing more of what I want.
I’ve done stuff that wasn’t even on the list (note to self: add them to the list so I can cross them off. Hey, I know I’m not the only weirdo to do this).
This new creative energy is enjoyable. 10/10 highly recommend.
This is part of my Thought Piece Series, where I explore topics related to leadership and provide both answers and questions. My intention is to start meaningful conversations that help us move forward. Want to connect? Click here.