A good friend asked me a question about goals and the danger of spiralling thoughts if they’re not reached. In replying I thought about the Stockdale paradox and noted that I’ve been that broken optimist around some of my own desires.

If setting a goal that isn’t entirely within your control, or is a remarkable stretch, it might be better to choose merely a direction instead.

You can go in that direction to the best of your ability, making progress however small. You can prevail in a given direction, where you might fall short of self-declared goals. If you’re fragile, don’t set yourself up for a fall. Instead, view each step in the right direction as a win.

And, kindly, keep going.