Transform Your Challenges into
Positive Results
I want to share with you the "anti-goal" framework I learned recently. It's a bit like looking at things from a different angle, which I know we can all appreciate.
It's about defining what we don't want to achieve or what we want to avoid. I've found it useful for personal growth, project management, and shaping business strategies. Here's a laid-back take on how it works, in 6 steps:
Defining Anti-Goals
- Instead of setting specific objectives you want to achieve, start by listing things you want to avoid or to prevent. Base these on past experiences, potential risks, or scenarios you want to steer clear of.
Clarifying Objectives
- Once you've identified your anti-goals, you can then flip them around. Define the positively framed goals opposite of what you want to avoid. This helps provide clarity on what you desire.
Risk Mitigation
- The anti-goal framework is particularly helpful in risk management and decision-making. By acknowledging what you want to avoid, you can plan to minimise them and take steps to prevent undesirable outcomes. I didn't realise I'd been doing this all the while, so it sort of "clicked".
More than what I want, I've also been very clear with myself on what I don't want. It's what I now realise has led to having 100% job application rates for my last 3 roles, for example.
Alignment
- Instead of setting specific objectives you want to achieve, start by listing things you want to avoid or to prevent. Base these on past experiences, potential risks, or scenarios you want to steer clear of.
Flexibility
- Instead of setting specific objectives you want to achieve, start by listing things you want to avoid or to prevent. Base these on past experiences, potential risks, or scenarios you want to steer clear of.
Motivation
- Instead of setting specific objectives you want to achieve, start by listing things you want to avoid or to prevent. Base these on past experiences, potential risks, or scenarios you want to steer clear of.
We the negative-ninnies, the worry-freaks, the overthinkers:
We have to find a way to channel those sad thoughts that are maddening. This is a framework that helps me do just that. It requires being able to acknowledge your pitfalls. It requires being vulnerable with yourself- often I find, the hardest person to be truly vulnerable with.
If it's helped me, then maybe, I hope, you might find use of it too.
Sending good vibes your way, and here's to continuing our collective journey of growth and learning!
P.S.for transparency and growth, here are a few of the anti-goals for both myself and The Яuhullah:
Avoid Burnout
- IThis could mean setting a limit on working hours and ensuring a healthy work-life balance. It's all about ensuring I don't burn the candle at both ends. Especially for no good reason. The last bit is important when I consider what is worth doing, and when, and for whom.
Avoid Overcommitment
- Balance is key; I'll set limits on how many projects I take on simultaneously to ensure quality AND sanity.
Avoid Isolation
- As a solopreneur (ugh this word…), I'll avoid isolation by making it a goal, a measurable KPI. I'll make an effort to stay connected with peers, mentors, and accountability partners, and provide value in return, where possible..
Avoid Inconsistent Branding
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I'll steer clear of branding inconsistencies, maintaining clear guidelines to stay true to our identity.
*If you notice, my "logo" is ruhul_lah, while my business name is The Яuhullah. Yeah, still figuring this one out as I'm attached to both. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Even as I read that sentence it's clearer to me ruhul_lah is personal, and The Яuhullah is business oriented me.
Positive Vibes Only
- My focus will be on delivering exceptional customer experiences. We will ward off any negativity, ensuring our reputation shines.
Keep It Simple (stupid?)
- Complexity can be confusing. I'm committed to clarity, avoiding intricate messages to connect with our audience.
Ethical Excellence
- Upholding ethical standards is non-negotiable. I'll steer clear of actions that could tarnish our integrity and reputation.