Goals are tricky.
Writer and researcher Anne-Laure Le Cunff points out that an obvious problem with goals is that you’re unhappy if you fail to reach them. The more subtle problem, though, is that even when we succeed in accomplishing our goals, the satisfaction doesn’t last.
I’ve heard this described as the arrival fallacy or as the hedonic treadmill—but in either case, we are consistently disappointed when achieving a goal doesn’t lead to lasting happiness, yet continue believing that the next one will.
As an alternative to these inevitably disappointing linear goals, Anne-Laure proposes using growth loops. Specifically, she outlines an “impact” loop that goes Pact → Act → React, before returning to a new pact to start the cycle again.
I love this framework—both conceptually and prosodically!—and the emphasis on enjoying the process, rather than fixating on the end result.
But I’ll also say: If the growth loops are never-ending, it also makes me think of our need for rest.
Inspired by:
and her wonderful article, The Paradox of Goals. And , because his incredible new art collection is what brought this post to mind—Check out Loops! And Tim Keller—Rest In Peace.