#81: Making Goals Fun

A BRIEF MEDITATION

Take a deep, grounding breath. In the quiet stillness of the morning, observe a bird as it takes flight, wings painting strokes of freedom across the sky.

Instead of being burdensome, your goals can also be wings that lift you. Each goal can bring you closer to the joy of flight, the thrill of soaring to new heights. In the process, you embrace the wind, the sun, and the vast expanse of the sky.

Set goals that feel like a natural extension of your being, goals that invite you to glide with the winds of your passions, and explore boundless possibilities.

➜ Add this photo to your dashboard*

_{*Don’t have Plus? Start a free trial here!}

MANTRA BREAKDOWN

As we grow wiser, we come to the following realization: Achieving goals on its own won't equate to a deeper sense of fulfillment. Nor will "doing" ever be a sufficient replacement for self-worth.

(Aside: As we've explored in previous issues, wholeness comes from within. It's retraining ourselves to believe that we are inherently okay and complete, independent of external circumstances or achievements.)

That said, getting rid of goal-setting is a bit counterproductive as well.

After all, goals are just tools. How we use and relate to them makes all the difference.

When approached with a light and curious grasp, goals have the power to make us:

• Expand beyond our comfort zone

• Encourage a deeper level of engagement with the world

• Enhance our capacity to unlock joy and fun

Imagine a world where the outcome of a goal is irrelevant, and the process of pursuit is where the true treasure lies.

Imagine setting goals not as must-achieve milestones, but as pathways to diverse experiences, unlocking new skills, and joyous discoveries.

➜ Add a mantra to your dashboard*

_{*Don’t have Plus? Start a free trial here!}

HOW TO MAKE YOUR 2024 GOALS IRRESISTIBLE

Even the best-intentioned goals can feel more like chores than exciting experiences.

Often, we set goals because we feel we need to. "Once I achieve X, I'll be happy, healthy, or complete." We use the end to justify the means, even if the means aren't inherently exciting to us.

With a bit of creative reframing, we can infuse the goal-setting process with fun and intrigue. Here's how.

1. Start by jotting down the goals or intentions this year.

2. For each goal, ask yourself: "Does this excite me, or does it feel like just another task?" If it's more the latter, consider how you can transform this goal into something that unlocks joy.

What you're doing is turning a need-based goal into a fun-driven one. Here are three examples to guide you:

• Before: "I will learn how to use the digital illustrating app, Procreate."

• Goal Glow-Up ✨: "I will use Procreate to draw my corgi sleeping in her favorite position."

[This reframing turns a task into a playful project filled with personal meaning and joy. What's meaningful to you?]

• Before: "I will read 24 books in 2024."

• Goal Glow-Up ✨: "I will read 10 highly captivating books in either the mystery or sci-fi genre."

[Here, the focus shifts from quantity to the excitement of exploring genres that are naturally attractive to you.]

• Before: "I will only eat out once a week."

• Goal Glow-Up ✨: "I will experiment with 3 new recipes this month around my favorite ingredients at home (e.g., squash, sweet potatoes, chickpeas)."

[This transforms a restrictive goal into an adventurous culinary journey.]

Notice how specificity plays a crucial role in these examples. Specific goals are easier to visualize and therefore more motivating. It narrows down a generic sea of possibilities into something tangible and alluring.

YOUR TURN

Take 5-10 minutes to transform your goals with elements that spark passion and joy. If you reply to this email with your favorites, we'll share an inspiring few with the rest of the Momentum community.

IT’S ALL GOOD (NEWS)

Here are a few stories that may spark curiosity and wonder. ✨

• 🌳 Sustainability: Climate Scientists Hail 2023 As "Beginning of the End" for Fossil Fuel Era

• 📜 Random: 1943 Letter Delivered to Family After Resurfacing at Post Office

• 🧬 Science: New Enzyme Allows CRISPR Technology to Accurately Target Any Human Gene

• 🚀 Space: Spacefaring Japan Looks to Become the 5th Country to Land on the Moon