Choose a Direction Before You Choose a Goal

Goals are seductive because they feel concrete. But a goal chosen in the wrong direction is just a well-organized detour. Before you set targets, ask yourself what kind of life you are moving toward — not what specific achievement you want to unlock.

A direction is broader and more forgiving than a goal. "I want to live creatively" is a direction. "I want to publish a novel by December" is a goal. The direction survives failure; the goal often does not. Choose the direction first, and let the goals serve it — not the other way around.