At the turn of the New Year there is always much talk about setting goals.  How often do we ever accomplish these goals?  There is a tendency to fall back into our old patterns and usual way of doing things.  Does setting goals help or hinder our progress?

We live in a goal-oriented culture.  There seems to be an underlying assumption that if we do not set goals we would sit around and do nothing; but is that really the case?

Our goals can be stifling and limiting.  They often come from our predisposed mental judgments about what is practical or possible.  Instead of motivating us, goals can leave us frustrated and overwhelmed; or judging ourselves for not accomplishing something.  They can keep us rigidly focused on something in the future and take us out of the experience in the present moment.  This does not leave space for inspiration or allow our vision to evolve.

In the book Goal-Free Living, author Stephen Shapiro says “Goals represent a clearly defined end point, not the adventure in getting there.” He goes on to say, “ Being goal-free does not mean living without direction. …People who are goal-free have a clear sense of direction as dictated by their internal compass and their aspiration.”

Goals themselves are not the culprit.  Our goals tend to get us fixated on the results rather than the path and the experience.  Having an idea where we are going is good; but in every moment we need to be listening for our inner guidance and adjust our course based on our present experience. When we stay focused on our goal we often miss opportunities that are right in front of us.  Most importantly, we do not enjoy the journey of getting there.

I will share a recent experience that demonstrates this concept:

I recently decided to switch from a personal computer with a Microsoft operating system to an Apple.  First I purchased an iPad and began playing with it.  I was amazed at the technology and how far we’ve come since the first personal computers I used in my college days.  So, I did it.  I purchased an iMac. I was excited about the new technology and how it would benefit my business.  My goal was to get up to speed on the iMac quickly, so I could get back to my business activities.

After my first day working on the iMac, transferring data from my old computer and beginning to learn my way around, I felt frustrated and overwhelmed. I realized the pressure I had put on myself.  When I focused on becoming proficient with this new operating system quickly, my experience turned to frustration rather than the excitement and fun I had when I was playing with the iPad.

The next day when I awoke, I made a new choice.  I chose to let go of my expectations and to give myself time to explore and learn with ease.  Everything began to flow more easily.  I was still learning how to utilize this new tool for my business, but I let go of the pressure.   Ironically, by letting go of my goal to learn quickly, I could actually accomplish it with more ease and enjoyment. My enthusiasm returned.

I find this is true with everything in my life.  When I begin to feel overwhelmed or things are not coming together smoothly, I know it is time to pause and reconsider.  I am most productive and have the most fun when I allow each day to unfold and stay in the present moment.

Stephen Shapiro suggests that healthy goals are paths that “help us make progress while keeping us free to enjoy the ride.” Isn’t that what we really want?

If you are not enjoying the ride, it is time to reconsider.