Last December, I broke down the vital ingredients in the goal definition we use at Goal-Crafting Intensive workshops. π― Goal = recognizable desired state in the future, that causes you to act differently in the present so as to realize it. This thread 𧡠= what ISN'T required:
What a goal doesn't need: due dates, metrics, finish lines
17 tweets Β· June 2020 Β· 71 likes Β· 6 retweets Β· read on Twitter
This thread is in large part about infinite games βΎ Goals are kind of like games you play with yourself. That sometimes includes finite, bounded games with wins & losses, but the whole thing is a lot more fun if held within a container of infinite games. From Carse's book:
I realized that while writing it, and went back up to add that βΎπ tweet. I also realized that a lot of our confusions & hangups about goals come from schools. (Tagging @QiaochuYuan, @reasonisfun, @KevinSimler, @danlistensto, @diviacaroline, who all have deep interest in this.)
1π a goal doesn't need a due date Why do we think it does? We're used to doing work for other people, whether that's homework for a teacher or something for boss or client. Since we're used to this pressure, we find ourselves resisting when there's no pressure.
2π a goal doesn't need a due date How can due dates mess you up? We're almost always overoptimistic, so we stress out & cut corners trying to complete in time. Then the date passes & it increases our aversion to doing something now "late".
3π a goal doesn't need a due date When might you want one anyway? If perfectionism is making it hard to ship anything, committing to a deliverable date can help. Or if you have a real long-term deadline, short-term deliverables can help (eg @bmndr) Coordinating with others.
1#β£ a goal doesn't need a numerical metric Why do we think it does? We learn our doing habits in low-trust high-legibility contexts like school & jobs, where there needs to be an objective measure for fairness. We don't trust ourselves not to cheat without a clear metric.
2#β£ a goal doesn't need a numerical metric How can metrics mess you up? A numerical metric is *always* only ever just a proxy for what really matters. Easy to π― optimize grades & not learn or enjoy πΉ optimize GDP & destroy well-being & environment
3#β£ a goal doesn't need a numerical metric When might you want one anyway? Metrics can help illuminate whether what you're doing is having any effect at all (& in what direction) Plus (if well-chosen) they can help curate focus. Ideally use multiple metrics & find win-wins.
1π a goal doesn't need a state of finality Why do we think it does? We're desperate to finally feel like we've done enough and can rest. This kind of motivation vital when externally imposed, eg school. Examples: - final-state: "pay off loans" - ongoing: "financial abundance"
2π a goal doesn't need a state of finality How can finality mess you up? As with metrics & deadlines, we can fixate on finishing. But also, we can end up feeling adrift when we finally achieve our goal and it doesn't solve some deeper problem we'd promised ourselves it would.
3π a goal doesn't need a state of finality When might you want one anyway? It's fucking satisfying π€ Milestones are motivating & satisfying, even if you then keep going. Reaching the peak of a mountain is meaningful. I remember when I hit breakeven π― blog.complice.co/post/129788685β¦
I found myself writing this thread today because I wanted to direct more people to check out the workshops I'm running on June 27 & 28. As a case study, let's apply the π #β£π dimensions to my writing this 𧡠right now, towards my goal of getting more signups for this workshop!
π it has a real date! the event is happening and I can only get signups if I tweet *before* then π #οΈβ£ signups in my spreadsheet (& revenue) tho I also care about *who* signs up, & I write with that in mind π π no particular final state! taking an infinite game stance here
In particular, elaborating on the infinite game thing⦠All of what I'm doing here is trying to point at a particular *stance* towards intentional action in the world, whether you use the word "goals" or whatever. In many ways, it's kinda the dao.
Anyway, here's the workshop sign-up link! Event includes videos & exercises expanding on the philosophy I've talked about here, plus hours of direct access to ask our coaches for their perspectives on whatever you feel stuck onβin the course, or in life. complice.co/event/gci2020mβ¦
Also if you want to read the sister thread to this one, where I break down the 5 key ingredients that ARE required* here's your jumping off point π *(required according to this specific model of goals; I'm not your boss, you can do what you want π)