Counterpoint: Goals Are Overrated
Goals.Are.Overrated. As I wrote that I threw up in my mouth a little bit because it was so painful. Of course I’m being facetious, but only slightly. I love goals, I adore goals, I set goals to set goals. Simply stated, goals make me happy. So even though it pains me to admit it, it’s true that I and most people overrate setting goals.
The main reason why I think goals are overrated is because goals are not the key to unlocking achievement. It’s no secret that people set goals everyday with no intention of doing what it really takes to achieve their goals. Sometimes the act of coming up with a goal is as cathartic as actually achieving the goal. So much so that for some, once they come up with their goals, they’ve satisfied their psychological need for achievement and are motivated to do nothing more.
However, we all know that coming up with goals is not the point. Goals aren’t worth the paper they’re written on assuming one even takes the time to write them down. Which is less common than you would think.
So if goals aren’t the key to unlocking achievement, what is? PROCESS…
Process is about the present, and goals are about the future. What’s more, progress and the motivation to make progress are also only found in the present. Therefore, without a process to take action in the present, you won’t have the motivation to make progress towards your future goals. Yes, goals are important. But if you don’t follow through with committing to a process to reach your goals, then your goals are worthless.