Why Goal Setting Sucks, Sometimes, I Think.
28. Jul, 2009 
9 Comments
Yes, I said it. Although tentatively, I do believe I believe it.
Goal setting sucks. Possibly.
If you sense conflict, you’re correct. This blog post represents an unfinished argument taking place inside my mindscape.
Quite some time back I read that James Brausch made a New Year’s Resolution to stop making New Year’s Resolutions. And while that may even seem contradictory, I think I understand his motives now.
Because “you either are or you aren’t.”
For me, the phrase “you either are or you aren’t” goes back to an amusing bus ride in Germany during the 2006 World Cup.
The USA just got whooped by the Czech Republic. And one friend who had draped himself with the American flag during the game was now stuffing the flag in to his backpack.
To which my other friend scolded him, “You either ARE or you AREN’T!” Meaning he was either a fan or he wasn’t, and he shouldn’t hide the flag just because we lost.
Hilarity ensued when we got the entire bus of assorted nationalities to agree, “You either ARE or you AREN’T.” My scolded friend was quite upset to be berated and he explained he was just hot. But the phrase has stuck with me.
You’re either losing weight or you’re not.
You can set a goal to lose 15lbs. But while you’re cheating on your diet plan are you losing weight or not?
You can set a goal to make $X dollars per month, but while you’re playing on Twitter are you increasing your income or not.
You can try to quit a bad habit, but when you rationalize a reason to cheat “just once,” are you breaking the habit or not?
I’m starting to wonder if…
…goal setting may just be an excuse to procrastinate.
If you say you want to lose 15lbs in the next 3-4 months, how many days will you feel it’s OK to harm this goal because the deadline is still far away?
What if you just woke up and said to yourself “I’m losing weight today.” What if you woke up and said that everyday?
Would that be more powerful than setting a date 3-4 months out by which you want to reach a goal? I’m starting to think so.
What do you think?
Should you live by “You either are or you aren’t?” Meaning no excuses?
Or should you set long term goals?
Please do share. As I said, this argument is still unfinished in my mindscape.
