Goals Are Overrated - Instead Find Your Edge

We all know the value, even the necessity of good goal setting, right? This wisdom has permeated our culture to such an extent that we hardly question it - “Shoot for the moon and you’ll land among the stars,” “a goal properly set is halfway reached,” “set your goals high and don’t stop until you get there.”

Research suggests that only 9% of Americans accomplish their New Year’s resolution. If you’re anything like me you’re probably thinking, “well, I’m part of the 9%.” Even if this is true, you know that the fulfillment is short lived - you lost 10 pounds and now you want to lose 10 more, you got a raise and now you’re eying the next one. 

What if instead you focused on activities that make you feel fully alive and at the edge of your comfort zone - sing, dance, learn a martial art, whatever it may be. This will take you out of future-oriented thinking where your activities are simply a means to an end, and into the present moment. 

Rather than being fueled by a mental construct of a future result, your present excitement and curiosity will keep you coming back. Your full engagement in these activities will elicit far greater results - towards weight loss, building wealth, or finding deep happiness and fulfillment. 

So this year, think of an activity that lies at the nexus of your fear and your excitement, and this time next year you'll be able to look back, not with another handful of unaccomplished or unfulfilling goals, but with wisdom, skill, and evolved character.