Resistance Loves Goals
Resistance loves self-imposed goals that distract us from our work, especially once you start pursuing what your heart wants.
The anxiety, fear and confusion that come with artificial, hyper specific niches and deadlines is irresistible fodder for Resistance. It knows that once you go down the path of setting goals you’ll quit.
Why?
Because Resistance knows that dreams appear much easier to accomplish before any real work commences. It knows that your dream will cost more and be more time consuming than what was assumed after polishing off that bottle of Pinot Noir last Saturday.
It’s only when you start you realize how much you don’t know; how much you overestimated your abilities and how much you underestimated the time it takes to be “successful” (whatever that means).
But it’s too late now, you drew your line in the sand.
This is exactly what Resistance wants.
The aspiring writer all too happily kneecaps himself.
He sets his mind early to write a western fiction (he rarely ever reads fiction for personal enjoyment).
But he doesn’t stop there.
He thinks he’s putting in the sweat equity required by creating detailed plans. His mind is mesmerized by the dangling carrot. He can’t help himself.
It’s all bullshit.
Does the thought of writing a western fiction excite him?
Sure.
But there’s a restlessness that clings to his ankles. Something feels off. He can’t shake it loose; but he marches on.
Immediately after setting his goals he celebrates by getting drunk (literally).
He feels pretty damn good to chat up his spouse and parents about his new enterprise. Emboldened by his bravery and the reassurance that his plan is smart (which he desperately craves), he gives himself a well-deserved toast.
The next morning he pays the price. When he awakens from his drunken stupor, Resistance is quick to remind him of the grand promises he pitched last night.
What did I say!? I better keep a low profile for a few days and let this one blow over.
Motivation will carry him for a few days, maybe a week or two at most.
All it takes now is one small inconvenience for him to fold up shop (the laptop goes missing for a few hours, his son wakes up early and interrupts his writing time, his wife confronts him for not being present enough).
That’s it—he’s had enough, he throws in the towel.
But of course, he knows there will be another idea. Another goal to set. Another dream to dream.
It keeps him sane.
He makes a vow to do it differently next time.
But of course he knows that’s a lie.
The next time you feel that irresistible pull to start chasing your dream, commit yourself to the craft for the sake of the craft itself. Commit to doing the work for the sake of the work itself.
How long should you do it?
The right answer is this: as long as it takes.
For what purpose should you do it?
The right answer is this: Because it’s authentically you.
Inspiration
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield,
- My own lifelong battles of creating elaborate plans instead of focusing on the slow transformation required for meaningful work