This text was originally published on my former blog typeoneminimalist.com. The website has been offline since 2020. This is an archive version.

Goals are quite interesting constructs. We set them, we change them, we accomplish them – and then do it all over again. Sometimes, we also abolish them. But even then, we come up with a new goal, change it, accomplish it, abolish it. It’s like in Michael Ende’s book The Never Ending Story. The story repeats itself over and over until the protagonist takes action and breaks the circle.

During the past weeks, I realized that this circle also exists for goals. Since three to four years, I know that I want to become a journalist. About one year in, I got a bit more specific and changed my goal from journalist to economics journalist. Ever since I was super motivated to work on it. Over time, however, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Journalism and Economics are huge topics. I didn’t know where to start.

Then, in February, I wrote a story for a business magazine located in Vienna. The topic was a rather special one. It forced me to dig deep. Working on this story made me realize one thing: I can’t keep up with everything that happens around the world. Even more, I shouldn’t. It distracts me from what I truly want. So I cut some stuff out of my usual news routine and replaced it with more specific news. As a result, I’m finally starting to better understand the topics I want to focus on.

Evolve your goals

This small change of my journalistic goals completely revived my motivation to work. I now feel like my life has a purpose again. Because there’s something I can realistically work towards.

Looking back, I should have thought about my goals way earlier. After my exchange semester in Belgium, I didn’t know how to go on with my life. I needed to change something but didn’t have a clue what. It took a few weeks until I realized what was wrong. I was missing a clear goal. Because here’s the thing: Everyone of us has goals. But what we often forget is that our personality changes every single day – even it’s just very subtly. Our goals don’t always keep up with the change. We only realize we have to adjust them when it’s too late.

So take some time every few weeks to sit down and reflect on your goals. It can really change a lot.

Keep a record

Furthermore, try to keep track of your goals. Write them down. In a notebook, your computer, wherever you want. Just do it. Having them written down in front of you gives you something to look at when you’re doubting yourself. It also gives you a basis to change them if needed. And for super clumsy and confused persons like me: You can’t forget them when they’re written down.

When I write down my goals, I try to make them as specific as I can. Because the clearer they are, the better you can work towards them. During the process, keep in mind that you grow as a person every day. Reviewing your goals on a regular basis is inevitable. It’s a never-ending process.

Another helpful tip is to formulate goals in a smart way. S.M.A.R.T. is a shortcode. It means specific, measurable, achievable, reasonable and time-based. I learned about this in school. Every goal should fulfil these five criteria, especially the first and last one. A precise, timed goal allows you to create an accurate action plan.

So what?

What I’m trying to say: Be aware of your goals. Cut them down to bite-sized pieces and reflect on time to time. Goals give you something to work towards. The more tailored they are to you, the more motivated you will be. Over time, your goals will change. Keep that in mind and regularly ask yourself if your goals still align with your personality. Goals are like us: they evolve.