The ultimate goal
The overarching goal is the main direction that organizes smaller actions, decisions and priorities.
Definition
Acts as a landmark for daily choices. It helps distinguish important tasks from those that are merely urgent and consolidates efforts dispersed between projects. A well-described overarching goal translates into specific actions and progress criteria.
Key ideas
- Hierarchy of goals
- Consistency of actions
- Priority criterion
Practice and life
Write down one overarching goal for 90 days and with each larger task, ask whether it actually brings you closer to that goal.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to have many "most important" goals at once. It is also a mistake to choose a goal that sounds good but does not change the decision.
> When the goal is primary, individual steps stop fighting among themselves.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What purpose organizes my actions?
- Which tasks are inconsistent with it?
- How will I know progress?