Navigating Goal Setting with Stoic Wisdom
Understanding Input Goals, Output Goals, and Outcome Goals
Goal setting is a fundamental aspect of personal and professional development and plays an important role in guiding us towards success and fulfilment. However, not all goals are created equal, and understanding the nuances between them is critical to success. Input goals, which focus on the effort and actions we put into a task or project, are different from output goals, which focus on the specific results or achievements we want to achieve. Outcome goals, on the other hand, are about the broader impacts or results we want to achieve. Each type of goal serves a specific function and requires different approaches to planning and execution.
The Stoic Dichotomy of Control
Stoic philosophy offers valuable insights into how we can lead more balanced and fulfilling lives, particularly when it comes to planning for the future with goal-setting. Emphasising the importance of focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot, Stoicism offers a timeless framework for navigating the complexities of human existence. Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, famously said, ‘Some things we have control over, others we do not’ (Enchiridion 1.1), thus summarising the core principle of Stoic thought. This…
