Is setting goals something you love to do because there is a higher purpose in your planning? Careful! Stephen M. Shapiro’s book, “Goal-Free Living,” is a timely reminder not to let goals ruin his life. As a game changing career coach, I am always interested in new perspectives on goals and goal setting in particular. Here are 3 goalless tips I learned from reading this book.

1- Setting work-life balance goals is like walking a tightrope in a hurricane

Fast-paced executive careers often require years of long hours and personal sacrifice before the goal is achieved. That goal may result in an incremental march to a C-level position in the boardroom with its salary and fringe benefits. But sometimes at a terrible cost to anyone who also wants a life outside of work, or rather the time and energy to enjoy it. Be careful what you sign up for!

2- Enjoy exploring your river

One of Mr. Shapiro’s interviewees uses an interesting analogy of aimless people immersing themselves in a river of passionate experience. For these people, goals and objectives are perhaps more like markers on the riverbank, or where the current changes from eddy to whitewater. They are passionately involved with their topic of interest and the present moment is more important than an indefinite future.

I think there is real value in this idea. It also reminds me of Tim Gallwey’s concept of “Self 1 and Self 2” in another wonderful book: “The Inner Game of Tennis”.

Perhaps the ideal combination for the goal-setter is to relax and get out of your own way.

3- Master your aspirations

In the world of Stephen Shapiro, your purpose, intention, or dream becomes something to aspire to: an aspiration. While “goal setting” is often translated into ways to get around roadblocks and obstacles, the fundamental meaning of aspiration is related to “inspire” and “spirit.”

The Goalless Approach is a refreshing look at reframing a journey to mastery. There will be times when floating down the river of experience will seem dull and unenthusiastic. This is to be expected and even welcomed, as these smooth interludes can lead to harrowing adventures unknown today.

In short, I think the most helpful advice I got from the book was to shed the baggage that comes with thinking “I’ll be happy when…”.

In the “4-Hour Workweek” worldview, goals are part of the planning that comes with life’s adventure. There is no “waiting”… each day that experience unfolds.