Ali Abdaal is one of the most well known people in the productivity space.
His intriguing outlook on multiple aspects of living an efficient life has gotten him up to over 4 million subscribers.
So what exactly is Ali Abdaals philosophy on goal setting? In this blog post, we will dive into everything you need to know.
If you want bite sized self development tips delivered to your inbox every Sunday, subscribe to our newsletter below!
Ali Abdaal’s Initial Thoughts on Goals
Ali Abdaal has often vocalized his initial skepticism towards setting goals due to the undue pressure and potential for disappointment it can engender. This skepticism stems from a fear that the goal-setting process creates an over-attachment to results, which can result in an emotional rollercoaster ride tied to achievement or lack thereof.
The root of the issue, as Ali has seen it, lies in the common approach to goal-setting. Traditional goal-setting tends to overly emphasize the outcome, with success being measured solely in terms of whether the predetermined objective is met. As a result, the process can inadvertently generate significant stress and pressure. If the intended outcome isn’t achieved, the consequences can be disheartening, leading to feelings of failure or unfulfilled potential.
Ali uses the example of his YouTube channel to illustrate his points. Instead of setting a specific subscriber count as a goal, he shifted his focus to the system of regularly creating and uploading content. This focus on consistent action, rather than a distant outcome, helped him to alleviate the stress associated with hitting a certain number of subscribers. It also allowed him to find enjoyment in the process itself, promoting sustainable long-term engagement with his channel.
He Believes You Should Transition From Goals To Systems
After reading James Clear’s “Atomic Habits”, Ali Abdaal started to see the value in focusing more on the systems that help you reach your goals, rather than the goals themselves.
He believes that paying more attention to the everyday tasks can lead to better results and less stress.
According to Ali, fixating on a goal, like getting a million subscribers, doesn’t speed up the process. Instead, it’s the daily habits and routines that really make a difference.
As evidence of this, Ali shifted his own focus to consistently making great content, rather than worrying about his subscriber count. This approach has clearly worked well for him, as shown by the success of his YouTube channel.
How To Actually Think About Goals
Ali recommends a fundamental shift in our approach to goals.
Drawing on the wisdom of August Bradley, a renowned productivity and life design expert known for his innovative approach to personal and professional development, Ali emphasizes the importance of considering goals as a compass. According to this view, your goals are not just destinations, but guides that provide direction.
However, the path to reaching those goals lies not in the goals themselves, but in the systems we follow. Thus, while goals set the course, it’s our systems or daily processes that form the trail we tread on our journey towards accomplishment.
Below are some key principles to consider:
Adopting a Growth Mindset
You should move towards your goals while valuing the journey. Each and every step is important because gradual and consistent effort not only moves us towards our goal, but also makes us better at what we do.
Embracing Uncertainty
Rather than creating rigid goals, Ali suggests setting broader adaptable goals that account for change or uncertainty.
Prioritizing Sustainability
Ali believes in sustainable goals. Any goals we have should be geared towards the long term. Any intense bursts of effort is no good, as it usually leads to burning out and retreating back to your old habits.
Celebrating Progress Over Results
Lastly, Ali advocates for celebrating the journey (we also talked about this on the post we wrote about Kobe Bryant Setting Goals), not just the end result.
Celebrating progress (smaller wins) maintains motivation and emphasizes the importance of your process, not just the destination you want to get to.
The Role Of Honesty In Goal-Setting
In Ali’s goal setting video on YouTube, he brought on Ben Hardy, a renowned psychologist, who brought forth some profound insights regarding honesty in goal-setting during his interaction with Ali.
Hardy debunked Ali’s misconception that setting goals equates to being unhappy. As Ali initially understood it, setting a goal seemed to imply dissatisfaction with the present situation until that goal was achieved. However, Hardy provided a different perspective. He suggested that one could find contentment in their current state while still aspiring for more.
Hardy explained that goals are not about creating a state of unhappiness or constant longing, but rather about providing direction. He urged Ali to consider goals as the guiding force that could shape his actions and decisions, leading him toward desired outcomes. The key was not to be consumed by the end goal, but rather to acknowledge and appreciate the journey, including the present moment.
Moreover, Hardy pointed out that our daily actions often reveal our real goals, even when we don’t openly declare them. This is a testament to the fact that we’re continually working toward our aspirations, even subconsciously. Therefore, being honest with ourselves about our goals doesn’t mean stating them explicitly; it means aligning our actions with those aspirations.
In this light, goal-setting becomes a balanced approach of appreciating the present, aiming for the future, and enjoying the journey in between.
The Power of Purpose-Driven Goals
Ali Abdaal, known for his reliance on evidence-based reasoning, often utilizes studies and books to substantiate his points. One such work he frequently refers to is Viktor Frankl’s seminal book, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” This influential piece profoundly impacts the understanding of purpose-driven goals.
Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, shares poignant insights from his experiences, highlighting the vital role of purpose in human survival and resilience. His observations about those who survived the horrors of the Holocaust compared to those who didn’t, underscore the importance of having a sense of purpose in life. This foundational belief in the value of purpose becomes an essential tenet in the framework of setting meaningful, purpose-driven goals.
Frankl argues that a meaningful life is not necessarily one filled with pleasure or happiness, but one driven by a purpose that goes beyond oneself. This perspective mirrors the essence of purpose-driven goals. According to Frankl, our will to meaning—our desire to pursue a purpose—is our most significant motivational force.
In the context of goal setting, Frankl’s insights suggest that purpose-driven goals—those tied to a meaningful purpose—are more motivating and fulfilling. Such goals align with our innate desire to contribute to something greater than ourselves. They provide a roadmap for our actions and lend meaning to our efforts, creating a sense of fulfillment that transcends the achievement of the goal itself.
Applying Frankl’s philosophy to goal setting challenges the conventional focus on results. Instead, it encourages us to orient our goals around meaningful pursuits, lending them an inherent value that can drive our motivation, resilience, and personal growth.
For example, instead of setting a goal to write a book (a result), one could set a goal to share unique insights or stories that could help others (a purpose). The latter goal is purpose-driven and aligns with Frankl’s philosophy—it’s oriented around making a meaningful contribution, making the process itself rewarding and motivating.
Balancing Goals And Systems: The Yin and Yang
So while at first Ali admitted that he didn’t like the idea of goals, through speaking with the experts named above, he figured out that it’s completely possible to find a balance between self improvement and self acceptance.
Ali discovered that it’s not about completely rejecting goals or totally immersing oneself in systems. Instead, it’s about using goals as a directional compass, while our systems provide the path to follow. It’s about setting an intention for what you want to achieve while also accepting and being happy with your present self. This approach allows for a balanced method of personal development that combines the drive to improve with a sense of contentment with one’s current state.