The Destination

I find myself setting two types of goals: those that are dependent on an outcome (e.g. publishing a paper, winning an award), and those that are aiming to achieve a state (e.g. eating healthy, sleeping well, being outgoing). Often the same desire can be framed as either type of goal; I could aim to “be in shape” or specifically “run a 6-minute mile”. Over time, I have gravitated towards state-based goals.

The difference in these types of goals is the destination. With the outcome-based goals, there is a concrete destination, but there is no clear outlook. For example, let’s say I do run a 6-minute mile. Then what? I could theoretically never exercise again and become out of shape, but clearly that wasn’t my intention when setting this goal. The specific outcome may be a good direction to shoot for, but there is always the risk of losing track of the “why”.

For me, outcome-based goals drill in the “why”. I want to run a 6-minute mile because I want to be in shape. Although there is no concrete destination – being in shape will require consistent effort for the rest of my life – there is a definite sense of purpose that will stay with me. The journey itself is the goal.