<ul><li>Think of your goal as an intention, not as a fixed path;</li><li>If you notice you are attached to the fantasy of your goal, bring your focus to the present and what you can do now, in line with yout intention;</li><li>Allow yourself to be flexibile - you can shift as you learn more;</li><li>If/when you do arrive at your destination, stop and be present with it, appreciating your journey, appreciating where you are, without immediately turning to the next thing.</li></ul>

Intentionally working with goals

Goals are not the answer to everything, but neither are they evil. They’re simply tools. And like any tool, they can be used to bludgeon ourselves over the head with shame and guilt, or can be used with intention, as a way to consciously deep our practice in life.

Goals as tools

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Goals, like any tool, can be used to bludgeon ourselves over the head with shame and guilt, or can be used with intention, as a way to consciously deep our practice in life.

I’ve been known to rail against having goals from time to time, to espouse goal-less living … but the truth is, goals can be used to guide us if they’re used intentionally.

Goals are not the answer to everything, but neither are they evil. They’re simply tools.
An Intentional Way of Working with Goals:
<ol>
 <li>You think of this goal as an intention that you’re setting as you start out, a way to guide your direction in the current moment, not a fixed path.</li>
 <li>You don’t think of the port (the goal) as a fixed outcome that you need to hold onto tightly, but rather just a way to guide yourself right now.</li>
 <li>When you do notice yourself attached to the fantasy of your goal, you practice loosening your grip on it, and focus instead on the present moment. What action can you take right now that’s aligned with your intention?</li>
 <li>Regularly check in with yourself, “What’s the most loving act I can take right now? What action right now would be aligned with my intention? What can I appreciate about this moment?”</li>
 <li>Allow yourself to be flexible — if you’re not tightly attached to the goal, you can shift as you learn more, as you sail on your journey and understand the journey more, as you find new opportunities that might be more aligned with your deeper purpose.</li>
 <li>If/when you do arrive at your destination, stop and be present with it, appreciating your journey, appreciating where you are, without immediately turning to the next thing.</li>
</ol>
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This is a more flexible way of working with goals, and a more present-focused way of working, more intentional. The goal doesn't become the most important thing - though it is helpful - the present moment and your actions and appreciation in the moment become the most important things.

An Intentional System for Working with Goals : zen habits

Intentionally working with goals

Goals as tools

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