No More Goals
on asking "what moves you?"
Since age 20, I’ve listed my life goals online.
Today, there aren’t many left.
In summary—
I’ve done the outdoor thing. I’ve explored the great wildernesses of the Western US. I’ve spent serious time in New Zealand, Patagonia, and the Himalaya. I’ve hiked, backpacked, trail run, and cycled to my heart’s content.
I’ve done the travel thing. I’ve visited most of the places I want to visit. I’ve lived in adorable mountain towns and bustling capital cities. I no longer salivate at the sight of a world map.
I’ve done the writing, speaking, and entrepreneurship things. I’ve enjoyed the virtuous circle of book publishing and public speaking. I’ve supported myself with teen travel programs and self-published books for 15 years. I have an enthusiastic audience of supporters—not yet 1000 true fans, but getting there.
Of the goals that remain, some I’m happy to write off. (Blog every day for a year.) Some involve very large commitments. (Start a family, Create a brick-and-mortar “school”.) Some I can do later in life. (Thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail.)
At this moment, I’m not even sure about the value of writing down goals. While goal-setting deeply motivated me in adolescence and early adulthood, it now feels very “maximizer.”
What about unplanned, stumble-upon style goals? What about surprise and serendipity? What about “satisficing?”
I edit this article en route to a fusion dance weekend in Toulouse, France. My age 20 self wouldn’t have guessed that I’d fall so hard for this niche form of partner dance. How much can we trust our past selves to guide our future selves?
The important question to ask now doesn’t seem to be “What do you want to achieve?” but rather “What moves you?”
Beyond the basics (staying healthy, maintaining relationships, remaining financially solvent), figuring out what moves me—whatever creates powerful and ineffable feelings inside me—seems like the best thing to pursue. This is the soil from which any meaningful goal will grow.
In this spirit, here’s an inventory of what moves me these days.
Partner Dance & Connection
Attending fusion dances in Europe and the US. Visiting the many friends I’ve made in this community. Running my own dance connection workshops.
Progress Studies
Understanding the material and spiritual benefits of progress. Grasping global differences in purchasing power. Promoting anti-apocalyptic thinking among young people. (A recent highlight: arguing that we’ll never run out of resources as a guest speaker for my friend’s sustainability course at the University of Freiburg.)
Analyzing the Low-Income, High-Freedom Lifestyle
Harnessing entrepreneurship to build time wealth rather than financial wealth. Examining the downsides and blind spots. Communicating the lessons of Do What You Love and Die Trying.
SDE in Europe
Expanding self-directed education options in Europe by starting a camp, joining forces with an alternative school, or building an exchange program.
Possible Parenting
Considering what it would look like to prioritize a committed relationship, have a kid, and “settle down,” despite my many fears.
Friendship and Deep Conversation
Maintaining old friendships and continually fostering new ones. Frequently enjoying deep conversations about complex, meaningful topics.
Writing down my goals was invaluable for launching into adulthood.
Letting go of goals and goal-setting might be invaluable for whatever comes next.
If you’d like to chat about something that moves you—especially if it overlaps with something that moves me—please comment or email (yourstruly@blakeboles.com).
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I think it’s more important to have goals about how you want to feel rather than what you want to achieve. I like the maximizer vs. Simpliciszer idea ! 💡
How about the goal of presence?