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“A goal is a planned conflict with the status quo.”
Have you ever set a goal for yourself only to find that achieving it requires pushing against your habits and tendencies or even societal norms? This can be especially true when it comes to personal growth and self-improvement.
Don’t Get Comfortable
It’s easy to get comfortable with the status quo, even if it isn’t serving us well. We may have habits that hold us back or feel pressure to conform to societal expectations. But if we want to make meaningful progress and achieve our goals, we must be willing to engage in a “planned conflict” with the status quo.
So what does this mean in practice? It could be as simple as setting a goal to wake up a half-hour earlier and sticking to a consistent morning routine, even if it goes against your natural tendency to hit the snooze button. Or it could be a larger goal, like starting a new business or pursuing a new career path, which may require you to challenge your beliefs about what is possible or take risks that go against the norm.
Be Proactive
Regardless of the specific goal, the key is to have a plan and be proactive in pushing against the status quo. This will require discipline and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, but achieving your goals is worth the rewards. As Jocko Willink says, “Discipline equals freedom.”
So the next time you set a goal for yourself, remember that it will likely be a planned conflict with the status quo. Embrace the challenge and stay focused on your plan, and you will be well on your way to achieving your goals and making meaningful progress. So, always be ready for a planned conflict with the status quo.