Member-only story
Mastering the Art of Goal-Setting
(Inspired by the books — “Get It Done” by Ayelet Fishbach and “Make Sure What Matters…” by John Doerr)
Can you get closer to your life goals simply by defining them clearly? The science of motivation suggests “yes” — goals can act as powerful anchors, pulling you toward a specific direction and energizing you to take action. But the key lies in framing them — goals should inspire, not drain, your motivation.
Clarity in Goal Direction
To begin, it’s essential to have clarity about the direction of your goals. Imagine you’re in a difficult relationship. You can either focus on leaving the relationship or making peace with it. Attempting both simultaneously would only lead to confusion and inaction because these paths pull you in opposite directions.
Understanding Goals vs. Means
Next, understand the distinction between goals and the means to achieve them. A goal is a destination, while the means are the steps to get there. Psychologically, we hesitate to invest in “means.” For instance, you might be willing to pay $50 for a book but feel reluctant to pay $5 for shipping. The same hesitation applies to goal setting.
