Rivers Don't Set Goals

So here is the new year. How are the resolutions holding up?

Setting goals only half works for me. What actually changes anything is moving in a direction. I would rather work on habits.

Life does not run in straight lines and cannot be planned all the way through. Rivers go to the sea in loops. Set off for a point on a map and you never know what is around the next bend. Possibly locals who dislike strangers. Possibly friends throwing a party you knew nothing about. Possibly — God forbid — sirens, singing beautifully, and there goes the steering.

All of it experienced, in a manner of speaking.

So I work on habits and on the values I want attached to my name. An example: I decide to be a man who goes to the gym. Rather than setting a target of twice a week, I let a small realistic routine grow into the day, one that fits the direction I am going anyway.

Another: I decide to keep company only with honest people. Rather than tearing up old friendships with a crowbar, I turn slowly towards the ones who deserve it.

Direction beats destination, because a river that is going the right way will get there without a plan, and one that isn't will arrive somewhere it never meant to be.