# Skills Over Goals: Transform Your 2022 with Discipline
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Chapter 1: The Shift from Goals to Skills
As January draws to a close, the influx of gym-goers will soon return to normal, and the chatter about fitness equipment will fade. While my perspective might seem a tad cynical, I genuinely commend anyone who strives for self-improvement, even if their self-promotion can become tiresome. The concept of New Year’s resolutions isn’t something I disdain; rather, I am often amazed by how many people misunderstand their true essence.
I appreciate the practice of setting aside time to craft plans for the upcoming year. It feels productive, sparks excitement, and ignites motivation to tackle new challenges. However, resolutions can sometimes feel superficial. We become excited about the prospect of changing our lives but often fail to follow through on our personal ambitions.
Chapter 2: The Downside of Goal-Setting
I recently encountered a similar situation. When I first joined Medium, I focused on creating high-quality content for my readers. However, as I began to monetize my blog, my initial goal of simply producing good writing shifted to an obsession with my statistics, leading to frustration over low readership.
I lost my drive and began to doubt my writing skills. If you can relate, here's where I stumbled: I became fixated on outcomes rather than the writing process itself.
Writing is fundamentally a process-driven activity, yet many overlook this fact. This is likely due to the overwhelming number of articles, courses, and newsletters that promote quick success in freelance writing. They sell a fantasy without detailing the necessary steps, enticing individuals to invest in their offerings. It’s disheartening, but to thrive as a writer, one must develop a keen ability to recognize such pitfalls.
Chapter 3: The Power of Process
If you examine the most accomplished writers on this platform, they will unanimously agree on one crucial point: the process is everything. This is what you must learn to cherish; it’s the element that will determine your enjoyment and success on Medium.
Yes, it’s disheartening to discover that only a handful of readers engaged with your latest post. Yes, it can be demoralizing when a piece that took immense effort earns minimal recognition. Yes, it’s frustrating to see others flaunting their achievements in a way that highlights your own struggles. But focusing on the process, rather than the results, will alleviate these concerns.
Instead, direct your energy towards improving your writing. Create detailed strategies to enhance your headlines, develop engaging content, and ensure a coherent structure. This is when you’ll begin to see tangible results.
Chapter 4: Mastering Your Own Fate
People generally fall into two categories: goal-oriented and process-oriented. Many goal-focused individuals tend to overcommit themselves, taking on too many challenges at once without a clear way to track their progress, which often leads to disappointment and a cycle of failure.
They frequently feel frustrated, disillusioned, and perpetually dissatisfied, relying on fleeting bursts of motivation to navigate their lives.
Conversely, process-oriented individuals concentrate their efforts on refining their habits, performance, and craftsmanship. They understand that life is about the present moment, not merely the upcoming weeks or months. They rely on steadfast self-discipline and consistent practice to achieve new heights and face new challenges.
This mindset explains why personal goals often fall flat and why gym attendance dwindles post-New Year. It also sheds light on my recent struggles within writing communities.
So, let’s make a commitment: no more setting lofty goals for 2022. Instead, let’s focus on cultivating skills through persistent discipline and habit formation. We might still encounter difficulties by the year's end, but we will surely improve day by day.
My Recommendation
I found great inspiration in Cherie Gaskin's piece. It resonated deeply with me—wonderful work, Cherie!
Chapter 5: Embracing Solitude
Sometimes, being single can be a more enriching experience than being in a relationship.