Is goal setting something you love to do because there is a higher purpose to your planning? Careful! Stephen M. Shapiro’s book, “Goal-Free Living,” is a timely reminder not to let goals ruin your life. As a game-changing career coach, I’m always interested in new perspectives on goals and goal setting in particular. Here are 3 pointless tips I learned from reading this book.
1- Setting goals for work-life balance is like walking a tightrope in a hurricane
Fast-paced executive careers often require years of long hours and personal sacrifice before reaching the goal. That goal may result in an incremental march toward a C-level boardroom position with its added salary and benefits. But sometimes at a terrible cost to anyone who also wants a life outside of work, or rather the time and energy to enjoy it. Be careful what you sign up for!
2- Enjoy exploring your river
One of Mr. Shapiro’s interviewees uses an interesting analogy of aimless people who plunge into a river of exciting experience. For these people, goals and objectives are perhaps more like markers on the riverbank, or where the current changes from eddy to whitewater. They are passionately involved with their subject of interest and the present moment is more important than an indefinite future.
I think there is real value in this idea. It also reminds me of Tim Gallwey’s concept of “Self 1 and Self 2” in another wonderful book: “The Inner Game of Tennis”.
Perhaps the ideal combination for a goal setter is to relax and get out of their own way.
3- Master your aspirations
In the world of Stephen Shapiro, your purpose, intention, or dream becomes something to aspire to: an aspiration. While “setting goals” is often translated into ways to get around obstacles and obstacles, the fundamental meaning of aspiration is related to “inspire” and “spirit.”
The Goalless Approach is a refreshing look at reframing a journey to mastery. There will be times when floating on the river of experience will seem dull and without enthusiasm. This is to be expected and even welcome, as these smooth interludes can lead to harrowing adventures unknown today.
In summary, I think the most useful advice I got from the book was to shed the baggage that comes with thinking “I’ll be happy when…”.
In the worldview of “The 4-Hour Workweek,” goals are part of the planning that comes with life’s adventure. There is no “waiting”… each day that experience unfolds.