Goal or No Goal?

As the new year begins, many of us find ourselves immersed in setting both professional and personal goals. It might come as a surprise, given my penchant for planning and list-making, that I am not particularly fond of setting goals. While I fully recognize the importance of establishing specific and measurable objectives and appreciate the clarity, they provide in communicating with team members and partners, I have some reservations about goal setting.

Upon reflection, I have identified two primary reasons for my aversion to setting goals. Firstly, I dislike the feeling of being confined by a goal. Knowing the destination, I prefer the freedom to explore various paths to reach it. The concept of the “North Star” was mentioned in a recent McKinsey article as the unshakeable direction that allows for everyone to find their way speaks to this. Secondly, goals tend to amplify the self-doubt and imposter syndrome that can occasionally plague my thoughts.

I know my reasons sound pretty unconvincing. However, I believe that, innately, I do have goals in mind, as evidenced by my use of work breakdown structures and my never-ending “to-do” lists. I stumbled on this quote, and it really resonated with me “Write your goals in ink, but your strategies in pencil.”

One of my goals for 2025 will be to consciously practice and enhance my goal-setting skills.