Why Goal Setting Sucks

We've all been told that goal setting is crucial. Education goals. Music goals. Financial goals. Health goals. Spiritual goals. Relationship goals.

But goals don't make things happen. In fact, goals pretty much suck at making things happen.

Goals in the traditional sense, anyway.

Here's what I mean.

Let's say ten people decide to lose 20 pounds this fall. Only one succeeds.

Only one succeeded, but all ten set the goal. So, the goal itself didn't make things happen, did it.

And then, look what happens when people accomplish their goals. How many music teachers have heard these lines?

Sally hasn't practiced since the recital. (The recital was six weeks ago...)

Nick hasn't practiced since the exam. (Two months ago...)

I haven't played piano since graduating high school. (Two weeks to several decades ago...)

Once we hit a goal, we don't know what comes next. I believe this is why so many pop artists who make it big at a young age end up on drugs.

They've risen to stardom and can have anything they want in the world. They've hit all the goals. So, what's next? Many struggle with this existential question and end up going down a dark path to cope.

So what's the answer?

Outcome-oriented goals, the ones we're used to, are fine. But they mean nothing without system goals and identity goals.

An outcome could be to lose ten pounds.

A system goal could be to install a workout routine in the schedule five days a week...for as many weeks as possible. Preferably for life.

And an identity goal could be to become a healthy person. And live the way a healthy person lives.

An outcome could be to play in a recital.

A system goal could be establishing a steady daily practice routine that wavers for nothing. 

An identity goal would be to become a musician. And a musician doesn't stop practicing just because the recital is over.

When we layer goals like this, good things can happen. Not only are outcomes achieved, but you become a better person.

And better people change the world.