It may sound a little unconventional, but I don’t set goals for myself. It’s not that I lack ambition or don’t want to achieve things, but over time, I’ve realized that focusing on goals can sometimes limit me more than they push me forward.
Now, before you think I’m advocating for aimlessness or a life without direction, let me explain.
The Trap of Goals
The way goals are often talked about, they can feel like a finish line. You hit a certain number, a milestone, or an achievement, and then what? You set the next goal, rinse and repeat. For some people, that’s motivating. But for me, it became a trap.
I found myself constantly working towards an outcome, but missing the joy of the actual work. I was always chasing something in the future, some “number” or “milestone” that didn’t reflect the day-to-day reality I was living. And when I didn’t hit that goal? It felt like failure, even if I’d made incredible progress.
Focusing on the Process
What I learned is that the journey is where the growth happens. Instead of setting rigid goals, I focus on the process — the act of doing. I don’t need to run a marathon to justify running every day. I run because I enjoy it. I write because it’s my passion, not because I’m chasing some target of books sold or followers gained.
By focusing on the process, I’ve taken the pressure off. Instead of thinking, “I have to hit this number” or “I need to achieve this by a certain date,” I focus on consistency and mastery. Am I improving? Am I enjoying the process? Am I showing up every day? That’s my real gauge for success.
Why Process Matters More
Here’s why I believe the process is more important than goals:
- It Keeps You Present: When you’re focused on a goal, it’s easy to constantly think about the future, and in doing so, you miss the present. The process brings you back to the moment — to the run you’re on, the project you’re building, or the words you’re writing.
- It Reduces Anxiety: Goals can create pressure. If you don’t hit that target by the deadline, you feel like you’ve failed. But if you’re focused on the process, you know that as long as you’re showing up and putting in the effort, you’re making progress — even if it’s not linear or measurable by someone else’s standards.
- You Fall in Love with the Work: By focusing on the process, you start to enjoy the work itself. You don’t need a carrot dangling in front of you to keep going because the work is its own reward. It becomes about mastery and self-improvement, rather than a checkbox on a to-do list.
- It Builds Consistency: Goals are often short-term. But when you focus on the process, you build habits. And habits are what lead to long-term success. You’re not just running to train for one race; you’re running because it’s part of who you are. You’re not just writing to finish a book; you’re writing because it’s what you do every day.
What to Do Instead
If goals work for you, great. But if they feel limiting or stressful, here’s what I suggest trying instead:
- Find What You Love to Do: Ask yourself, what would you do even if there were no accolades or external validation? That’s the thing you should focus on. For me, it’s writing, running, and exploring ideas. For you, it could be something else entirely.
- Commit to the Habit: Don’t worry about the outcome; worry about showing up. If you love painting, make it a habit to paint every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. If you enjoy fitness, focus on moving your body consistently, rather than chasing a specific weight or look.
- Track Progress, Not Goals: I still track my progress, but I do it in a way that reflects growth. For example, instead of setting a goal to run a marathon, I track how many times I’ve run this week and how I felt after each session. Did I push myself? Did I enjoy it? That’s what matters.
Why This Approach Works for Me
Focusing on the process has made me more consistent and happier in the work I do. I no longer feel pressure to hit arbitrary milestones. Instead, I focus on getting better every day. The funny thing is, by doing this, I’ve often achieved more than I would have if I had rigid goals in place.
I’m not saying goals are bad — they work for a lot of people. But if you’re like me and you’ve felt stuck or overwhelmed by them, try shifting your mindset. Focus on the process. Fall in love with the daily grind, the small wins, and the act of showing up. The rest will follow naturally.