#93: Smarter Goals

A BRIEF MEDITATION

As the sun sets in Bagan, Myanmar, we're reminded that Earth’s slow and steady motion gradually shifts the colors along the horizon. Similarly, when we approach our life systematically, the scenery slowly begins to change. Not all at once, but incrementally.

Tiny steps toward transformation.

There is no "end game." Learn appreciation for every step, every view we're gifted in this moment.

➜ Go to your dashboard*

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MANTRA BREAKDOWN

Most of us already know that having goals is not enough to will them into existence. What we struggle with is the “system.” The plan of attack.

We often write a laundry list of habits, routines, and processes in one sitting and then expect to follow them.

Here's the thing though:

A successful system (which is to say, a sustainable one) isn't planned overnight. To implement real change, we have to understand the nature of change.

Transformation happens by taking small, incremental steps in one general direction for a consistent period.

With enough intention and time, your system will evolve and help you become more and do more.

But for today? Use what you know now to choose ONE action. Then, do it again tomorrow. This is how your “system” starts.

When you do it for long enough, the action itself will feel effortless. Each one is fulfilling enough that you're no longer focused on the outcome. The system you've built fuels itself.

➜ Go to my dashboard*

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PACT: THE SMARTER WAY TO ACHIEVE WHAT YOU WANT

While SMART goals have a place for achieving short-term tasks, they aren't made for the long-term visions we often have in mind. Why? For one, learning something new is rarely a linear process. Achieving a specific milestone could end up taking you 3X as long as you expected!

Whether you're pivoting to a product design career, taking up climbing, or learning Chinese, the PACT approach (more on it here) helps us integrate our long-term goals with flow & ease.

Choose a goal and take it through PACT:

• PURPOSEFUL. Does your goal align with your vision for this year (or beyond)? The better the alignment, the greater the likelihood of it sticking.
  
  NOTE: A goal doesn't have to be "practical" to be purposeful. Switching careers or building a business may not help your daily priorities, but they're still worth pursuing!
  

• ACTIONABLE. What single step can you take today that will move you in the right direction?
  
  Trying to create the perfect roadmap can keep us from making real progress. The PACT approach helps us shift our efforts from research & planning to taking action.

  Recognize that missteps will naturally be a part of the process, and that’s okay! With more action comes the needed clarity to refine your approach.
  

• CONTINUOUS. How might you make that action simple & repeatable so that you can do it every day this week? Creating a system of continuous action is the easiest path to building consistency.
  
  3 push-ups in the morning. 5 minutes of meditation after coffee. 10 minutes of experimenting with your video editing software after work.
  

  Start "tiny" the first week or two, and refine later.
  

• TRACKABLE. The rule of thumb for tracking is to keep it as simple as possible. Mark it done as a "YES" or "NO.”
  
  You’ll want to record this somewhere visible & accessible. Consider an app, personal planner, or your Momentum Dashboard.

IT’S ALL GOOD (NEWS)

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

• 🗿 Sustainability: National Monument on California-Oregon Border Will Remain Intact After Overcoming Legal Challenge

• 📜 Civics: Media Freedom Act Passes: A New Bill To Protect EU Journalists and Press

• 🌈 Culture: Thailand Moves To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

• 🪐 Space: Oregon Outback Named World’s Largest Dark Sky Sanctuary – a Stargazer’s Paradise