[By: Martin Grunburg]
We left the last post with the understanding that “real” intelligence is goal-directed behavior. We arrived at that conclusion simply by analyzing the definition of artificial intelligence, which happens to be . . . “goal-directed behavior”!
Thus, as we like to say here at The Habit Factor®, “In life, goals are not optional.”
Sure, you might go a month or perhaps even a few months — maybe even a few years — without real, substantial goals/aims or ideals for your life, but ultimately, if nothing else, your quality of life would suffer.
Or, we might view the pursuit, or absence thereof, of goals in life as Tony Robbins positions it. He likes to say, “Everyone has goals. Unfortunately, most of them are impotent goals.”
In other words, he suggests that if your goal is to “get through the day,” “get through the month,” “make it home by Monday Night Football,” “sneak out of work early,” etc., make no mistake, these are goals — and it could be argued, then, a sign of intelligence — but certainly not the type of goal-directed behavior that would inspire one to get out of bed in the morning!
Further, having inspiring, well-intentioned goals and ideals provides you with another magnificent consequence: HAPPINESS!
That’s right. Don’t take it from me, though; let’s hear what one of the most intelligent (interesting, isn’t it?) people ever to have lived has to say about the subject.
“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal not a person or a thing.” – Albert Einstein
Let’s Button This All Up
If goal-directed behavior is intelligence at work . . .
AND
“Action is the real measure of intelligence,” as Napoleon Hill was fond of saying . . .
AND, “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal not a person or a thing,”
Then we can bring this full circle once more: “In life, goals are NOT optional.”
Yes, my friends, goals matter! (A lot!)
~mg
BTW: The next logical question is, “How can I go about setting goals the right way?” To that end, check out The Habit Factor® book (Kindle, reduced price). Another great starting point is the FREE Habit Building template. Or, for those of you who’d prefer to listen to the book, check out the Audible version. Go here for a FREE TRIAL and The Habit Factor® can be your first free book! Enjoy!