focus on direction
Goal is the destination.
Plan is the path you choose to get there.
Direction is, well, the direction you want to move towards.
Having a goal and plan is efficient. It's the road with the least traffic. It's Google Maps — useful if you're trying to reach your destination as fast as possible.
But, then again, is that really the point?
I don't think so.
If you're too focused on your map and its markings, you might miss all the amazing opportunities in the corner of your eye. You might choose the dull, lifeless path over the much more interesting or fun one, simply because they are faster, safer, or easier. You might find yourself asking whether you're there yet more than whether you're enjoying yourself in the first place.
Goals are measurable and finite. Sometimes that is the problem. It becomes too easy to see exactly how far away you are or how much you lack. You know if you've achieved it or not.
And what happens after you do?
Direction is flexible, leaving room for fun detours and side quests. It's never truly reached, yet you're always moving towards it. It may sometimes lead you to places and paths you did not intend to, and to me, that's the point.
In practice?
Instead of having goals like "I want to become X," try using directional guides like "I want to keep getting better at X" or "I aim to live true to value Y."
Focus more on direction, less on goals.