In this mini-solo episode, we tackle a problem I’ve always had - setting goals. I talk about why it doesn’t work, and how we can conduct mini-experiments to overcome our fear of failure. Just saying, “it’s an experiment”, makes everything feel less risky, less scary. If we do that enough, before you know it we’ve intentionally stumbled into a long list of amazing things we’ve always wanted to try. And we spent less time worrying, planning and procrastinating until we talked ourselves out of it altogether.
Let’s stay curious and keep moving.
And make momentum the only goal.
Key Takeaways
- Goals vs. Direction: Instead of setting rigid goals, try choosing a direction. It gives you something to aim toward without getting stuck on a specific destination.
- Control is an Illusion: Life doesn’t follow our plans. Most of what derails us are things we never saw coming — so maybe the answer is to plan less and adapt more.
- Experiment Instead of Plan: Treat your life like a laboratory. Try things. Learn. Pivot. Repeat. It takes the pressure off and opens up surprising opportunities.
- Hold Goals Loosely: Inspired by Rich Roll — the idea isn’t to avoid goals entirely, but to stop clinging to them so tightly that we miss other, better paths.
- Follow the Emotional Charge: Rick Rubin’s advice is to follow what lights you up. If something excites or scares you (in a good way), chase that feeling.
- Fundamental vs. Instrumental Reasons: Daniel Pink points out that doing things because they feel meaningful (not just because they might lead somewhere) is often the better bet.
- The Power of Curiosity: Reach out. Ask questions. Start conversations. Interesting people are curious people — and curiosity is contagious.
- Make 2026 the Year of Experiments: Instead of setting resolutions, commit to trying one interesting thing each week. Momentum beats perfection, every time.
Connect with Bob Mathers
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
The Restless Leader Newsletter on Substack: https://bobmathers.substack.com/
Links & Resources
Daniel Pink: Life Advice That Sounds Good But Will Destroy You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uiz2XSNUPec
Rich Roll on Rock Bottom and Resolutions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMjMd0gtygQ
