Goals Shape the Present

What’s the purpose of a goal?

I’ve just reread Hell Yeah or No by Derek Sivers, for the third time—this year.

(Highly recommended).

One of the best bits of advice is to judge a goal by how well it changes your actions in the present moment.

• A bad goal makes you say, “I want to do that someday.” A great goal makes you take action immediately.

• A bad goal is foggy, vague and distant. A great goal is so clear, specific, and close you can almost touch it.

• A bad goal makes you say, “I’m not sure how to start.” With a great goal, you know exactly what needs to be done next.

• A bad goal makes you say, “That’d be nice.” A great goal makes you say, “Oh my god! Yes! That would be amazing! I can’t wait!”

• A bad goal makes you say, “I’ll do it as soon as I do this other stuff.” A great goal is so interesting and important that you can’t be distracted.

Unless it changes your actions, right now, it’s not a great goal. Instead, find another variation that excites you.