Don’t Move The Goal Post

In this Practice Thought, we'll discuss the idea of moving the goalpost. This is a common problem: we set a goal, and then if we reach it, we say "well that doesn't count because it was too easy" and then we set a goal farther away, and then if it's not too difficult it doesn't count again.

Sometimes this feedback loop can happen almost instantaneously to the point where someone can't even sit down to practice because it doesn't count unless it's the most intense, mind-blowing practice.

The way to counteract this is to enjoy and focus on small goals - maybe even keep a journal of small goals that you've set and reached.

I see people getting discouraged because they are not as good as they think they ought to be. Journaling practice is a good way to counteract that. Always set one small goal at a time and don't worry about how easy it ought to be or how long it ought to take you. Progress is progress and each small step adds up to quite a distance over time.

Always set your goals in a realistic, achievable place and don't move them once you get started.