I came across this concept of compass living years ago. The idea is to live more within a compass mindset than a goal mindset.
What is the difference and how can we live with both?
First let’s take a look at the common goal model.
A goal (as defined on dictionary.com) is “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim, end.” With a goal you are looking for a specific outcome. “I want to lose 20 pounds.” “I want to make a million dollars.” Those are goals.
Let’s look at some of the characteristics of goals.
Goal Characteristics
Goals are usually unchangeable.
Once you make a goal, that is the goal you work towards. A goal is called a goal for a reason. It’s the thing you want at the end of all your hard work. Usually you don’t adjust or change the goal. Moving the target makes it very hard to hit.
Goals are based on outcome.
The end is the thing. You want to see that particular outcome. You want to be 20 pounds lighter or have a million dollars in your bank account. When a goal has been achieved you can physically see the outcome of your work.
Goals are time-based.
All the goal setting books and blogs that I’ve read have insisted that you put a timeline to the goal. A deadline and a timeline help you keep track of how far away you are from the goal. This is to keep you motivated as you see progression towards your goal.
Goals are linear.
Most goals have a point A which is where you start and a point B, where you want to end. And then there are steps in between to help you get from point A to point B in a linear fashion. The idea is that if you follow the steps in order, you will reach your goal. And if you don’t know what the steps are or what order they need to be in, you can hire a coach to help you.
Goals have specific steps.
As I said, there are steps to get you from point A to point B. Goals usually come with very specific steps to follow without deviation. If you deviate from the specific steps then you are less likely to reach your goal.
Goals are action-based.
To achieve a goal you have to do something. Physically. With your body. Whether it is working out, making a phone call, writing a scene for your novel, or tilling the ground for your garden, you have to do something. The steps mentioned above are usually very specific, very straightforward, physical steps of action to get you where you want to be, the end goal.
But what about compass living? When you live by a compass, you are following a different path. Here are some of the characteristics of compass living.
Compass Characteristics
Compass living is changeable.
If you are following a compass living model, then it’s very easy to change the heading of your compass by a few degrees.
Let’s say you had a goal for losing 20 pounds and you wanted to change it to a compass model. What could be your true north on the compass? It could be developing an all-encompassing healthier lifestyle including feeling good emotionally, having better movement in your body, eating foods that make you feel better, and sleeping through the night enough hours to help you be energized during the day.
As you work on those things you may find more ideas on helping you live a healthier lifestyle – changing the number of hours you work, dealing with conflict in relationships, or finding a relaxing hobby. You can change your compass to living a stress-free lifestyle.
That would change your focus just a little. Adjusting the compass setting puts other things into place.
Compass living is based on process.
Regardless of your heading, the end is not the point. It’s all in the journey, the process and the changing of your daily life habits. The focus is no longer on the end goal to cross over but the process for getting there, knowing that you may actually never arrive. It may actually slow you down and help you enjoy your life more. Always a good idea in my book.
Compass living is not time-based.
If you are living your life day to day with your true north on your compass, then time is not an issue. You are doing today, what you will do tomorrow as you refine your habits and processes to match your compass. There is no rush. No need for procrastination as an avoidance tool. It is what it is today.
Compass living is non-linear.
You will find that there may be many steps in your process but they don’t actually go in any order. Living by a compass allows for dips and curves in the road. As long as you are facing your north, you can follow the road where it leads without worrying about doing everything today or everything all at once. You are building a life, not racing toward the end.
Compass living has adjustable steps.
As mentioned above, your focus may change. And with that your steps may change and that’s okay. Again, if you have your mind on the true north of your compass, then you are open to new ways of getting there. The steps later may look very different than the steps you used to start. As you go, you are more open to new ideas and new opportunities that you may never had thought of when you began the journey.
Compass is thinking-based.
Compass living is all in your head. It’s changing your narrative. It’s going from “I am the type of person who lives an unhealthy lifestyle” to “I am the type of person who lives a healthy lifestyle.” Your actions will flow out of that belief. Compass living is getting clarity on your beliefs. And then letting the actions flow.
Goal or Compass Living?
So which one should you be using? Should you be living your life with a compass or a goal mindset?
I think we need both.
At least I do. If I am totally in my head, then I am very prone to not actually doing anything. I want it all to come to me by magic!
But if I am totally in the goal mindset, then I lose sight of where I’m going and why I want to achieve that goal in the first place. It can become an ever ending cycle of doing and checking off lists, without being in my life. I feel like a machine doing the things without actually living my life.
The solution?
Let your compass and your goal setting work together.
Set your compass to the direction you want to go, then set up goals to get there. Hold your goals loosely and refine the compass as you go.
Remind yourself of what you are working towards and the life you want. Then set up goals to live your life.