Jarod, I appreciate this (and you) so much. The adversarial nature of goals and relative friendliness of intentions isn't something I'd considered before, but it makes so much sense. I especially like the thought of reserving "goals" for contractual obligations and deadlines. Wishing you all the best in both your goals and intentions this year!
I always love hearing you talk about goals and goal setting and all the frustrations that come with it. I have a goal setting system that I’ve been using consistently for a few years that focuses on weekly habits that will lead to my long term goals - process rather than outcome. It involves setting a measurable goal, identifying why it’s important (what benefit it will have for me in doing it), how I plan to do it, and a tracker for how well I did each week that is easy to see overall consistency at a glance. Happy to share more of you’re interested.
Hi Ray, thank you so much for your kind words, and for the notion of focusing on process rather than outcome. That's a really smart idea, and one I'm definitely going to try and implement. Happy writing!
I haven't listened to the episode yet (but will!) but the way I approach goals is more about how I want the year to feel. There might be more tangible goals that help me to realize that, but it's less about reaching a benchmark and creating a life I feel good about!
Hi Jim, thanks for reading. I try to keep this space free from political discourse for folks like me who are overwhelmed with it everywhere else. But current events can absolutely affect your goals, outlook, and everything else in life. I often think of these words from Maxine Hong Kingston: "In a time of destruction, create something." The words we write and the art we create have power, and that — and anger, and a sense of injustice, and even spite — can be powerful motivators to write and create change. I encourage you to not lose sight of your goals, despite — and in spite of — the destruction you see around you. Again, thank you for reading and for sharing your thoughts.
Goals are tricky. My brain always seems to be looking for red ink to splash on my imaginary permanent record.
Lately, I'm finding that "intentions" serve me better than firm "goals" in terms of my creative aspirations.
You can fall short of a goal. Intentions are more of a living document.
My intentions evolve. They become more specific. They mutate, while still holding onto something of their original character.
In terms of starting a year, I feel like intentions are friends. Goals can feel adversarial.
That said, I still actually articulate my intentions so that they aren't totally abstract/nebulous. And I try to keep it to three or fewer.
(I reserve writing "goals" for when I find myself contractually tied to a project/deadline.)
As for this year, last week I finished editing my fantasy novel (contractual obligation).
I'm writing a short book about dandelions (contractual obligation).
I plan to make a dozen new episodes of my odd little podcast (intention).
I'd like to finish my current poetry collection (intention).
And I hope to pitch a new novel to my agent/publisher sometime this summer (intention).
Jarod, I appreciate this (and you) so much. The adversarial nature of goals and relative friendliness of intentions isn't something I'd considered before, but it makes so much sense. I especially like the thought of reserving "goals" for contractual obligations and deadlines. Wishing you all the best in both your goals and intentions this year!
Thanks Friend, and likewise.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you ever want to talk shop (or just complain).
Hi Sarah,
I always love hearing you talk about goals and goal setting and all the frustrations that come with it. I have a goal setting system that I’ve been using consistently for a few years that focuses on weekly habits that will lead to my long term goals - process rather than outcome. It involves setting a measurable goal, identifying why it’s important (what benefit it will have for me in doing it), how I plan to do it, and a tracker for how well I did each week that is easy to see overall consistency at a glance. Happy to share more of you’re interested.
Hi Ray, thank you so much for your kind words, and for the notion of focusing on process rather than outcome. That's a really smart idea, and one I'm definitely going to try and implement. Happy writing!
I haven't listened to the episode yet (but will!) but the way I approach goals is more about how I want the year to feel. There might be more tangible goals that help me to realize that, but it's less about reaching a benchmark and creating a life I feel good about!
I love this, Krystina! Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you have a lovely 2025. :)
Hi Jim, thanks for reading. I try to keep this space free from political discourse for folks like me who are overwhelmed with it everywhere else. But current events can absolutely affect your goals, outlook, and everything else in life. I often think of these words from Maxine Hong Kingston: "In a time of destruction, create something." The words we write and the art we create have power, and that — and anger, and a sense of injustice, and even spite — can be powerful motivators to write and create change. I encourage you to not lose sight of your goals, despite — and in spite of — the destruction you see around you. Again, thank you for reading and for sharing your thoughts.