Scott Adams created Dilbert, a dry, sarcastic, and hilarious comic strip.
Why am I talking about a comic strip in a post about setting goals as a musician?
Well, Adams wrote a book where he says “goals are for losers.”
And that got my attention.
So I want to show you how that concept is only partially true.
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What’s The “Goals Are For Losers” Concept?
Adams wrote How To Fail At Almost Everything And Still Win Big, a book that’s “kind of” the story of his life.
And in it, he says, “Goals are for losers.” That sounds harsh, but that’s really what he wrote.
“If you study people who succeed, you will see that most of them follow systems, not goals,” he writes.
My first question was, “How does he define ‘goals’ and ‘systems’?”
Here’s how he views each:
- Goals: reach-it-and-be-done objectives
- Systems: what you do on a regular basis that helps you improve
Okay, so why are goals so bad?
Adams says if you’re so focused on accomplishing goals, you can miss other opportunities.
The idea is that by focusing on a specific goal, you’re narrowing your field of vision and may miss good things you were neither expecting nor ready for.
(I think this definition is part of the problem. I’ll talk about that in a sec).
On the other hand, systems, according to Adams, leave room for unexpected opportunities.
Systems are skill-based rather than results-based. So they’re more open-ended than Adams’ definition of goals.
Now, there are some things in the “goals are for losers” concept that are true and helpful.
But half of this idea has some problems…
The Problem With “Goals Are For Losers”
The main big issue I see with this concept is Adams’ definition of goals.
He defines goals as results-based objectives that you reach and then move on from.
On the surface, this seems fine. But I’d like to present my own definition of goals:
Goals are output-based objectives that you reach, update, and track.
Let me break that down.
First, goals should be based on your output, not the outcome. You have no control over the outcome. But you do have control over what you do to move forward.
“Consistent creators make consistency a goal and focus on output instead of outcomes.”
- Josh Spector, For The Interested
Goals are most useful when they’re small.
When you have small goals, you can achieve them quicker and more frequently. This keeps you encouraged and moving forward.
Second, when you accomplish a goal, simply update it.
If you reached your goal of recording a song, update it to say, “Record another song by [insert date]” or “Record two more songs by [insert date].”
Third, as you reach these goals and objectives, keep track of them.
Make sure you don’t forget all of the things you’ve accomplished.
Don’t get me wrong, there are some super helpful ideas in Adams’ book.
Like the idea that failures can still move you toward success.
Adams worked in software, banking, and at a corporate telephone company.
On the surface, it seems like these were failed attempts for him, but they all led him to eventually create Dilbert.
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Or the idea that systems help you develop skills. That’s true.
Also, I agree with Adams when he says success is a combination of luck and skill.
This is another way to say what the Roman philosopher Seneca said: “Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.”
And that’s a helpful definition because it’s open-ended.
Success is subjective to each of us.
But it does involve skill, preparation, being at the right place at the right time, and knowing the right people.
Should You Use Goals?
Deciding on whether or not you want to use goals depends on your definition of them.
Here’s what I say…
If your goals are based on what you do rather than your expected results, you’re in good shape.
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And when you think about it, “systems,” as defined by Adams, is another way to say, “Focus on your regular output, not the outcome.”
For the sake of simplicity, I’m going to call them goals, not systems.
And here are the characteristics your goals should have:
- Based on your output, not the result you hope for
- Smaller than you think they should be
- Updateable once you achieve them
- Help you improve your skills
- Encourage you to connect with others in the music industry
So…Are Goals For Losers?
If your goals are hyper-focused on a specific result, you’re probably a loser. Sorry, but I believe that.
But if your goals are small, output-based, updateable, and trackable, you’re a winner.
Create a plan. Be a winner.
Create, update, and track your small goals with this FREE worksheet.