For the longest time, the mere thought of setting goals seemed utterly pointless. Why fixate on a distant outcome when we can’t even control its occurrence? It felt like an endless cycle: we set a goal, experience happiness upon achieving it, only to set another one and start all over again. It seemed logical to abandon goals altogether and just enjoy the present moment. But oh boy, was I ever wrong! Recently, a revelation dawned upon me, drastically altering my perspective on goals, especially with the new year peeking over the horizon. Let’s dive into how I misjudged goals, the new approach to setting them, and how I envision the path ahead.

The crux of the matter initially was to forget about goals entirely and shift the focus toward systems. Take the example of managing a YouTube channel. Numbers like subscribers or views bore no real significance to me because they were out of my control. A nugget of wisdom from the stoics came to mind: why waste your energy on factors beyond your control? What truly mattered was the system in place—a commitment to upload between one and three videos weekly, come what may. This aligns with James Clear’s thoughts in “Atomic Habits”: results improve when you prioritize systems over mere goals.

There are old arguments against setting goals—too much focus on the destination rather than the journey, plus they restrict happiness. Goals create a sneaky contract with oneself: happiness is only allowed upon achieving the said goal. This mindset, as it turns out, leads to a perpetual chase, where slight satisfaction follows after hitting a target, quickly overshadowed by a new goal. And if the target isn’t reached? Disappointment ensues. With these thoughts, dismissing goals in favor of systems seemed wise until, gradually, I began to change my mind.

So, what sparked this change in mindset? It turns out the way we think about goals needs a bit of reshaping. A goal serves as a compass—not just arbitrary systems ticking away without direction. This realization came after several enlightening conversations with intriguing folks. An expert on systems thinking rightly pointed out that although systems consume most of the focus and energy, goals provide the aim. It’s not about choosing one over the other; they are like yin and yang, working in harmony.

Moreover, goals need not fit into traditional molds. The archetypal smart goal—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound—is only one version. A goal can be as simple as wanting to relax more or reduce stress, embodying a serene existence with fewer scheduled activities. This broader thinking allows for personal goals to be just as legitimate and impactful.

In reality, we all hold goals within us, even if unarticulated. Often, they’re implied by the mere act of working towards something. The drive behind building projects or achieving milestones underscores the presence of goals. It’s about recognizing these aspirations explicitly and intentionally—as deceptive as it was to claim otherwise initially.

Human behavior is naturally outcome-driven. In philosophical terms, it aligns with teleology, where every action aims to create an end. Conversations, for instance, might lead to learning or producing content. Just because metrics like view counts or subscribers aren’t focal doesn’t mean goals are not in play. Living consciously involves choosing a future that shapes the present, regardless of whether these are labeled as goals.

Honesty about desires is crucial. While goals might seem limited, pursuing outcomes is part of human nature—being honest about these aims enhances motivation and clarity. The conundrum arises from the belief that goals equate to perpetual unhappiness until they’re achieved. However, focusing only on progress compared to the past and not just on the ideal future mitigates this issue.

Interestingly, goals imbue life with purpose. As highlighted in Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” striving toward worthwhile goals gives meaning to the present. Without a purpose anchored in future aspirations, the present loses significance. Hence, a balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance emerges, akin to the harmonious yin and yang.

This lead-up to goal-setting for the new year blends the art of balancing striving for growth while appreciating current contentment. Goals do not undermine present satisfaction. Instead, they offer direction—a road map guiding self-improvement without overshadowing self-acceptance. They facilitate a dance between ambition and satisfaction, ensuring neither overpowers the other.

No longer ignoring goals in favor of systems, the approach evolves to embracing both facets harmoniously. The aim is clear: goals provide the destination, and systems pave the journey, ensuring a balanced synthesis of purpose and action. By integrating goals into the broader narrative of life, an enriched path unfolds, inviting exploration and fulfillment beyond mere achievements.

So, as the new year beckons, a plan takes shape—not as a checklist but as an unfolding story guided by intent and nurtured by earnest efforts. In the end, life navigates the ebb and flow between pursuit and peace, discovering meaning in every step along the way.