Return of the Goalaholic
This past week was quite interesting. The Goal-Free Living book officially launched. I started the “Goal-Freedom” tour with several speeches and radio interviews in the New York City area. And we did an email blast to increase awareness of the book to a massive audience. Although I’d like to claim I was 100% goal-free during this period, I have to admit, my goalaholic tendencies made a guest appearance.
At around noon on January 10th, an email was sent to a large number of people letting them know about the book and a special offer. The book’s Amazon.com rankings at the start of the day were about #4,000. To put this in perspective, #1 is the best selling book. #14,000,000 (or so) is the worst.
After the email was sent out, I was sitting on my bed in a New York City hotel room. I didn’t leave that spot all day. I wanted to be there to see the change in the ranking and catch screen snapshots at each milestone. I was glued to my computer. I hit the refresh button on my internet browser more than 100 times between noon and 10:30PM. When I went to sleep, my eyes were ready to fall out of my head.
As the day progressed, I saw the rankings move from #4,000 to #2,000. Then to #1,000, #750, #250, #100, and #50. By the end of the evening we peaked at #37. #1 in “Business Inspiration” and #1 in “Business Motivation” (yes, they are separate categories). #8 in “Business & Finance” overall. We even reached #3 in “Management & Leadership”, right behind “Blink” and “Good to Great” – very good company We were the #4 “Mover & Shaker” with an over 10,000% increase in one-day book sales.
Although these are interesting statistics, therein lies the problem. Although I don’t like to admit it, in the back of my mind, I believe I really wanted to hit #1 overall. We weren’t successful in doing that. Worse, after months of preparation, it all felt like a bit of a let down. I couldn’t remember “why” I did this in the first place. Upon reflection, I realized that I did it because everyone said I should. This is what so many others before me have done. This is now the norm in the book business. Alas if it is the norm, then it is that much more difficult to be successful with it. And, I’m not sure I really “chose” to do it. I sort of got swept away with the tide.
However, upon reflection, I was indeed glad I made the investment. Not because of the ego boost of being able to say that Goal-Free Living was the #1 “Business Motivation” book on Amazon.com. Not because I sold a specific number of copies. But rather because it helped spread the word. My theme for 2006 is “impact” – making a difference in the world. Getting it into the hands of hundreds or thousands of people helps me do this. Or maybe the book is now in the hands of one influential person who wants to help me create a Goal-Free Living “movement.” Numbers don’t matter. When I refocused on my aspiration, rather than the specific goals, my enjoyment increased.
When you are doing something, ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?”
When you are on a date, are you doing it because you want to be in a relationship? Worrying about the next date can create unnecessary pressure. Instead, do it because you enjoy the other person’s company…for that moment. When you attend a business conference, do you go because you are looking to learn something specific? If so, you may be cutting yourself off to other, more powerful opportunities. Instead, just be there, meet new people, and allow it to unfold naturally. Incredible opportunities show up when you are not burdened and blinded by myopic goals.
If you found this article useful or interesting, please press the "Like" button and post a Facebook comment below.
Goal-Free Partying
I’ve applied the goal-free concept to nearly every aspect of my life. Admittedly, I never thought to apply it to parties. But a friend of mine wrote me with her experience with a recent party she threw. Ah, it’s amazing how even when doing something that is supposed to be fun, we can turn it into a lot of work! Enjoy.
I suspect that at some time or another, you have thrown a party. And, by definition, parties are suppose to be “social gatherings especially for pleasure or amusement.” But somehow, for me, it never was quite like that. I would put undue pressure on myself by turning these “pleasurable” events into nothing more than a measure of my own self worth.
- How many people showed up = how many people liked me.
- How many people have fun = how good of a job I did at coordinating my party.
But I learned a pretty valuable lesson just the other day.
Every year, if our football team makes it to the playoffs, I throw a party. I painstakingly plan and coordinate, spend tons of money and agonize over every last detail. Well this year, our team once again made it to the post season. However, I was coming off of a deathly cold and had no interest in throwing such a soiree. So instead of the usual hemming and hawing, I simply invited a few close friends who, unlike in the past, had a passion for the sport. I didn’t care if 5 people or 500 showed up. I didn’t plan or spend a dime and I basically showed up as a participant at my own party. Well, much to my great surprise, the turnout was phenomenal. Every one brought food to eat and beverages to consume. The party was a huge success with friends showering me with thanks for an amazing time. And for the first time, I actually enjoyed myself as well! How could this be?! I didn’t have the gourmet food, the cute t-shirts, the party favors or decorations that so commonly accompany my gatherings. What made this a success? Simple…I was detached from the outcome. Instead of taking responsibility for everyone’s fun, I left it in the hands of those I should have always left it in…the participants! Instead of trying to artificially jam fun down people’s throats we just created it in the moment!
Now that is what I call a party!
If you found this article useful or interesting, please press the "Like" button and post a Facebook comment below.
Video Clip of Fox TV Interview
On Friday December 30th, I was interviewed on Fox25′s Morning News (WFXT Boston).
To download the video, right-click on the desired file and “Save Target As.” Then play the video from the saved location.
Enjoy!
If you found this article useful or interesting, please press the "Like" button and post a Facebook comment below.
Goal-Free on TomPeters.com
Today, I am honoroed to become one of Tom Peters’s “cool friends. ” With this, Goal-Free Living is featured on TomPeters.com. You can read the interview by clicking here. Tom is one of the long-time gurus in the business world, known for numerous books fromIn Search of Excellence (1982) to Re-imagine! Business Excellence in a Disruptive Age (2003)
If you found this article useful or interesting, please press the "Like" button and post a Facebook comment below.
What’s Your Theme For the Next Year?
In an earlier blog post, I discussed setting aspiration-based themes rather than goal-based resolutions.
What is your theme for the next year? In 2006, mine was “impact” — making a difference in the world.
Friends of mine had generosity, partnership, grace, health, “me”, new beginnings, adventure, and unpredictability.
Please post your theme as a comment. Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories!
800 CEO READ
Indiebound
