It’s better to set goals that you have full control over.
Prefer internal goals. They are more achievable and thereby more likely to be followed through on. They set you up for success and for happiness.
External Goals
Goals dependent upon some external factor.
Example:
- My goal is to win the tennis match
- What if the other player has a best-ever match?
- My goal is to finish coding function X today
- What roadblocks might come up in coding that function
Internal Goals
Goals wholly within your control.
Example:
- My goal is to play my best to give me the biggest chance of winning.
- My goal is to stay focused all day on coding X
- You can achieve this, regardless of technical roadblocks
- Don’t Force It