The Art of Anti-Goals: Why Knowing What You Don’t Want Can Change Your Life

Let’s be real—goal setting is everywhere. The end of the year rolls around, and suddenly it’s all about vision boards, productivity hacks, and ambitious to-do lists for 2025.

But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What don’t I want?

Enter the concept of Anti-Goals, a genius idea from Andrew Wilkinson’s playbook. Instead of obsessing over what you want to achieve, Anti-Goals flip the script. They’re about identifying everything you want to avoid, so you can design a life that feels good inside, not just impressive on the outside.

Here’s why this idea is a game-changer (and how to get started).

Traditional Goal setting Might Be Setting You Up for Burnout

We’ve all been there: You hit a big milestone, only to feel… empty. Instead of celebrating, you’re already plotting the next goal.

Ambition is great—don’t get me wrong—but unchecked, it can trap us in a cycle of “achieve more, feel less.” Research backs this up: A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that constantly chasing external goals can lead to higher stress and lower life satisfaction.

This is where Anti-Goals shine. Inspired by Charlie Munger’s inversion thinking (identify what to avoid getting better results), Anti-Goals give us a fresh perspective. Instead of adding more to your plate, they help you subtract the unnecessary noise.

Step 1: Imagine Your Worst Day

Let’s dive in. To create your Anti-Goals, start with this simple exercise:

What would a terrible day look like for you?

Picture it vividly. Maybe it’s:

• Back-to-back Zoom calls with no breathing room.

• Working with clients who drain your energy.

• Being stuck in a rigid 9-to-5 schedule that crushes your creativity.

• Feeling obligated to say “yes” to projects that don’t light you up.

Here’s an example Anti-Goal list, inspired by Wilkinson’s team:

• No more than 2 hours of scheduled meetings daily.

• Avoid early morning commitments (because you’re working on yourself)

• Say no to clients who don’t align with your values—even if it means turning down money.

• Protect weekends as sacred recharge time.

Step 2: Design a Business (and Life) You Actually Love

Anti-Goals aren’t about avoiding discomfort for the sake of laziness. They’re about creating space for the things that truly matter.

For instance:

• By eliminating unnecessary meetings, you free up time for deep, creative work.

• By working with aligned clients, you avoid the energy drain of toxic relationships.

• By saying no to rigid office hours, you gain flexibility to work where you feel most inspired.

The result? A business and life that not only look successful but feel successful.

Step 3: Build Boundaries That Stick

Here’s how to turn your Anti-Goals into daily habits:

1. Time Blocking: If a packed calendar is your nightmare, block off chunks of unscheduled time every day. Guard this time fiercely—it’s your sanctuary for creative work or self-care.

2. Practice Saying No: Turning down misaligned opportunities isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Remember, every “no” creates space for a better “yes.”

3. Simplify Your Environment: Hate being tethered to one spot? Experiment with remote work setups or try coworking spaces that fuel your creativity.

4. Prioritize Rest: Burnout is real, and sleep is your superpower. If early mornings drain you, don’t force them. Align your schedule with your natural energy peaks.

The Surprising Power of Anti-Goals

Here’s the magic: By identifying what you don’t want, you gain clarity on what you do want.

And it’s not just about personal happiness. Studies show that avoiding known stressors (like overcommitting) improves decision-making, reduces anxiety, and boosts long-term productivity (Harvard Business Review, 2021).

Anti-Goals act like guardrails, keeping you aligned with your core values. They’re your compass for navigating a world that constantly demands more.

Your Turn: Try the Anti-Goal Experiment

Take 10 minutes today to write down:

1. What drains your energy?

2. What situations make you feel unfulfilled?

3. What would your worst day look like?

Then, use this list as a guide to design your 2025 plans. Remember, growth isn’t always about adding more—it’s about subtracting what doesn’t serve you.

Because the ultimate success isn’t a life filled with achievements; it’s a life that feels good to live.

What Anti-Goals will you set this year? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them! 😊

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Three things to ALWAYS remember:

Be CONFIDENT!

Be EMPATHETIC!

AND ALWAYS HAVE PASSION!!!!