The mind fascinates me. In the book called, “The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking”, the author, Oliver Burkeman, dives into what he refers to as our our “goal crazy” society. Sighting a number of studies he has determined that people create goals in the name of planning for the future and productivity, but in reality, it is a means to remove the unsettling feeling of uncertainty.
Goals can actually hinder success. In 1996 fifteen climbers died on Mount Everest within a twenty-four period of time—the highest death toll in the mountain’s history. Climbers know that timing is crucial to success on Everest. If climbers don’t make the peak by a pre-arranged time, they must turn around to avoid running out of oxygen or attempting the dangerous climb down in the dark. Hours after the time to turn back passed, people were still climbing to the summit. Why? As more feelings of anxiety increased as the climbers climbed, the more they held onto their goal to summit to help cover the feelings of uncertainty they were feeling at the moment. To feel better in the present, they chose to put their lives in jeopardy.
What a compelling reason to come to our mats! The more we get comfortable with the feelings of uncertainty, the more likely we can make sound choices for ourselves. The more we sit in discomfort, the more we find our voice of reason.
Here is another example of why goals can be limiting. Have you ever waited for a cab in New York City in the rain? It is a challenge to find a cab when it rains and the logical conclusion is that it is because the cabs are in higher demand. In actuality, based on research by economist Colin Camerer, though the demand for cabs increases, the supply of cabs shrinks. The cab drivers set a goal to make double the amount they owe for renting the cab each day they work. When it rains, the cab drivers make that money more quickly and head home early!
In this example, the goal setting actually limited their potential.
Now it is time to apply these lessons on your mat. When you are practicing, dig deep. Get uncomfortable. Breathe. When you have the opportunity, put yourself in a place of uncertainty. Try an arm balance, try a head or handstand. Take a chance. Begin to be OK with those feelings of the unknown. That is where the opportunity for growth and living big exist and are waiting.
Come to your mat. Give up your goals. Embrace life’s uncertainty.
6 comments
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March 8, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Laura
Eeeep! I’m guilty…I am a goal-making junky. So funny to have read this right after creating a goals list. Time to re-evaluate! Thanks for blogging!
March 8, 2013 at 9:05 pm
karmaspot
I have always thought goal making was a positive action to success but I’ve recently decided that having intentions is a lot stronger, more present thinking and more flexible! A goal is very defined and future oriented. An intention is more open ended (allowing for greater possibilities) and more focused on the moment.
June 19, 2013 at 12:34 pm
private yoga london
Love what you said here: “The more we get comfortable with the feelings of uncertainty, the more likely we can make sound choices for ourselves”. I agree in thinking it’s our resistance and aversion to feeling discomfort that compels some of us to make goals for the wrong reason. Alternatively, when we create a compelling overall ‘Vision’ first of all – of how we want our life to be – we then have the flexibility to adjust and adapt our goals accordingly. Thanks for this – really made me think! J
January 8, 2015 at 4:07 pm
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January 12, 2015 at 5:22 pm
Maryam
This is a powerful post, especially for me right now as I go through a divorce and embrace yoga more than I have before. Thank you!
January 12, 2015 at 5:27 pm
karmaspot
I’m so glad that you enjoyed. Thanks for your comment.