Is it Time for a Goal-Setting Detox?

Beth and I seem to be obsessed with time or the passage of time this year.

I think for me it started at the very beginning of the year. My friend and I decided to create a rather elaborate balanced wheel of life chart.

Actually, it was her idea. I wasn’t familiar with the whole concept, so, of course, I’d never created one.

Suffice it to say, it probably took my friend about an hour to create her life chart.

Me? Oh, it turned into at least a week’s project with me needing to visit the art supply store a couple of times.

But when I'd finished our assignment, I not only had a beautiful four-page document with diagrams, but I also had a plan that if followed, I would pretty much be a new person (a shiny new Penny) by Jan, 2024.

Now Beth, on the other hand, is a natural planner, and probably doesn’t need a life chart.

I can share an idea with her in the morning. At noon, she’ll call or send a text telling me she’s created a color-coded grid on Google Drive capturing the essence of the idea.

She also packs weeks before travel, keeps her pantry stocked, her gas tank full. It’s all very impressive.

So here we are, about 2.5 weeks before Labor Day, which for most of us feels like the unofficial beginning of the fall season.

I’d say according to my internal calendar, it’s time to start planning.

If you’re like Beth, you're probably tying the last ribbons to your Christmas gifts or at least experimenting with your first loaf of pumpkin bread.

If you’re more like me it’s time to revisit lists/goals written at the beginning of the year. Or make new goals to be carried out by the end of the year.

But let’s say for the sake of real life you might just want to coast through the rest of the year.

That’s right. You want to kick back and put your focus on trivial matters, like shopping for a new mascara or blush brand. Or maybe you want to set in a comfy chair and ponder questions such as why sour cream has an expiration date, or should vegetarians eat animal crackers?!

In all seriousness, I’m suggesting in this blog we write a different type of check list for this fall/winter season. A checklist that compares working to meet year-end goals versus being content to simply take it day-by-day and chillax into the new year.

Let’s weigh the pros and cons, the advantages and disadvantages of being goal-oriented versus relaxing.

Pros of being goal-oriented

1. Goals give you focus and direction and define your actions

2. Goals help you identify your priorities

3. Goals give you motivation and drive

4. Goals can give you a wonderful sense of satisfaction and accomplishment

5. Goals make you more productive

6. Goals may improve skills and knowledge

7. Goals may expand your comfort zone

Cons of being goal-focused

1. Goals can limit the flow of creativity

2. Goals can lead to feeling stressed and pressured

3. Goals can make us focus on the results and not the process

4. Setting unrealistic goals can create disappointment

5. Being focused on goals may cause us to miss out on other opportunities or experiences

6. Focusing solely on goals may hinder or stunt our personal development

Pros of Relaxing (not setting goals)

1. Not setting goals allows for more flexibility and spontaneity in life

2. Not setting goals allows for less pressure to achieve specific outcomes

3. Not setting goals may allow for more opportunities – not being tied to a specific outcome

4. Not setting goals feels like freedom

5. Not setting goals feels like less pressure

6. Not setting goals could feel like more opportunities that otherwise might not be considered

Cons of Relaxing (not setting goals)

1. Not setting goals can feel like a lack of direction (uncomfortable)

2. Not setting goals can lessen our motivation and give us a sense of aimlessness

3. Not setting goals can influence opportunities for professional and personal growth

4. Not setting goals may lead to a lack of focus and easily distracted

5. Not setting goals may lead to a lack of progress and measured success

6. Not setting goals may lead to a lack of purpose

Was this helpful?

Take note that we truly believe goal setting plays a fundamental role in the development of skills and paves the way for success. This post simply ponders the question, would you like the vitality of a goal-filled season or a goal-less season that allows you to relax into the new year?

How would it feel for a period of time to just live without the challenge of a goal?

Whichever way you choose is the right way for you.

Of course, there are upsides to both. And more importantly, your decision is right because it’s intentional. Of course, you can always change your mind. If you get to the winter holidays and feel the urge to relax or to gear up, then go for it!

One thing I know for sure.

Let’s all choose to go into the fall of 2023 in good mental and physical health, positively expecting to greet opportunities with energy, creativity and enthusiasm.

Cheers