Can goals be infinite?

In talking about goals and goal setting I often refer to the SMART model where we espouse the ideas of goals being specific or strategic, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely. But what happens when you reach that goal? Are we as human beings programmed to be happy when we get to the finish line, or do we immediately start chasing the next goal?

Finite goals bring finite satisfaction

Many of my blogs are inspired by something I see or hear. This blog is no exception. I was flying around recently for a series of roadshows and in the background,  I was watching a box set (series).  The one main character in the show was responsible for the social media at a fictitious publication and was focused on their twitter account.  For an entire season she was obsessed with getting to 2 million followers. In this episode, one of her colleagues congratulates here on reaching this milestone. Her friends want to know why her reaction is subdued. Her response is that she now feels ‘empty”.This same sentiment was expressed by Simon Sinek recently talking about humans needing infinite goals as opposed to defined finite measurable goals. However, he did not really conclude with how people get these infinite goals and whether there is somewhere in between finite and infinite that works with the human psyche.

Hollywood motivation

I most certainly think there is a middle ground, but first want to take a slight detour.  Many years ago I was listening to a talk by a famous Kabbalist, Rabbi and Medical Doctor (Rabbi Dr Akiva Tatz). It was in a time in my life where I was exploring ideas around motivation and commitment. The ideas discussed were around the idea of achieving enlightenment as opposed to the daily mundane “pretty boring” routine. The challenge of belief in the current world is that we all need to be motivated to do things.So the question is, how are we motivated to do the mundane things in our lives – the daily routines -  when they are not exciting?  How are we as human beings motivated when we have no Hollywood moments? We often need those Hollywood moments to engage us. One of the best analogies I have ever heard, from Rabbi Dr Tatz is the idea of being in a rowing boat at night on a river in a thunder storm.  Each time there is a flash of lightning you can see your path in extreme clarity, but once the flash has gone, you are back in the darkness and only the memory of the flash is there to guide your course. This is the Hollywood moment we have in our lives.The same applies to our goals.  When we achieve our goals they should give us the Hollywood moments – but do they? Do we get the satisfaction from achieving goals or do we feel deflated once we achieve them?

Are finite goals enough?

If we can exist on achievements alone, then do we need infinite goals? Can we as human beings survive on past achievements?  One quote from years ago is that if all we have to go on is past achievement then we have nothing to go on at all.So the question is: what is the distinction between finite and infinite goals, and do the latter really exist? I propose that the distinction is time. We are not programmed to have goals that are not timely, but each of us needs to have goals that are short term in nature and can provide the adrenalin hit of success, whilst the long term goals are there to give us the clarity and future vision. The long term goals are there to provide the “infinite” type of goal that we need to keep us inflated with energy.The infinite goals need to be such that we never actually reach them (as they then are finite) but continue to provide the clarity of long term purpose that we need to keep on course and direction.How does this challenge you and your organisation ?I finish every blog with “why am I writing this?”The answer is BECAUSE –

• Because I want to share the ideas, stories, anecdotes and business tips and traps.
• Because I want to pay it forward.
• Because I want to help people grow their businesses.
• Because I want managers to become better managers.
• Because I believe that I can “Give your business the EDGE”

If you want to discuss how I can add value to your business, please contact me throughwww.raelbricker.com  or email rael@bricker.com.auIf you would like to be a part of the GLOBAL CULTURE RESEARCH PROJECT, please drop me an email and we can connect