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Goal Setting
It's been said by most "successfull" people that goal setting is very important. In my case it was very common when I was in the military and have seen/read it many times since.
I have never been able to sit down and set lofty goals. Not sure why. Maybe fear of being let down, laziness, or maybe I just never saw the point. I have always just tried to do my best and let things fall as they do. This is something for me to think about. Why in the past I never could may shed some insight on myself.
It now seems to me goal setting would not be very Buddha like. Am I correct here?
I have never been able to sit down and set lofty goals. Not sure why. Maybe fear of being let down, laziness, or maybe I just never saw the point. I have always just tried to do my best and let things fall as they do. This is something for me to think about. Why in the past I never could may shed some insight on myself.
It now seems to me goal setting would not be very Buddha like. Am I correct here?
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Comments
You might get different answers here but I tend to think that even in a "path without a goal" one has to structure your approach and be disciplined. If that is interpreted as "goal-setting" so be it. Without effort there is no result.
We have to be disciplined and dedicated or we wont get anything done.
ex:
I'll try, if it work it work, if it doesn't work, then so be it. I'll modify the goal or do something else.
Buddhism itself is goal oriented (liberation from suffering) and it has an organized system to reach that goal, which requires discipline to be accomplished. With that in mind I would say goal setting is very Buddha like.
Avoiding goals because you think you will become greedy is like trying to dodge a bullet by closing your eyes.
How about discovering the reason why? That could be your first goal
and somehow seem contradictory statements to me. If you are doing your best it implies you are using your energy to accomplish something that wouldn't naturally occur.
The Buddha had a goal of solving the problem of suffering. Goals CAN be very Buddha-like.:winkc:
If you have a general "I want to flow with more of my buddha nature" then it might be better to set "I will meditate every day" than "I will be buddha-like by the time I am 40"
I think in hind-sight now that I have always had goals. I never formally never wrote them down. Just the beginning of the year I decided to play at least X amount of poker tournaments to at least double what I played last year. That was setting a goal. Perhaps I should write them down so I remember.
chanda = likeing is not good (kama chanda) in one instant
in this case it is meant that likeing to worldly things
chanda = likeing is good (chanda irdhipada) in one instant
in this case it is meant that likeing to gain knowledge of dhamma which helps to go beyond worldly things
so whether the setting goal is good or not good depends on the 'type of goal'
You have to have a goal for the means to increase. I want to be a therapist, but I try not to desire sitting across from someone in a chair because that is several levels of "means" away. Right now I desire to do my preparation work well.
And when you reach higher goals you are generally in a better place to help others and to be a force for good in this world. That goal could be a successful company, it could be a PHD or MD behind your name, it could be full time monasticism, everything has its niche in the world.
I don't struggle with guilt over some neurotic idea of altruism like I did when I was younger, but back then I was comforted by the idea that working on one's self and improving one's place in the world is comparable to how the airline safety instructions tell you to put on your mask before you assist others. You are no use to anyone in the moment if you are not functioning in a strong and healthy manner.
My opinion is you are not correct here. Here, I sense you have wrong understanding.
In the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, the second factor is Samma Sankappa or Right Goal.
For example, the Maha-mangala Sutta is a wonderful example of the Buddha's goal setting.
Kind regards
:smilec:
Also, there is chanda iddhipadda (mentioned), which is wholesome desire or zeal.
Most of all, to not set goals is related to meditation rather than our everyday living.
Kind regards