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Rick Foerster's avatar

I really resonate with the: "Go Directionally, not Destinationally"

SMART goals may be one of the worst inventions for me. Instead, I've found something like "that feels like the right direction" to be a far better predictor of my current/future fulfillment than "I need to get to that destination."

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Brenna's avatar

Yes! In business we are trained so hard on OKRs, KPIs, and SMART goals that "trust your gut" seems like a bunch of hooey. But the concept of thinking directionally based on FEELINGS has been scary but life-changing.

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Fran | The PCOS Newsletter's avatar

First, happy birthday, second - Go Directionally, not Destinationally it's the most beautiful lesson. I am taking this one. So many times we really want things in a certain way, just for life to show us something even more beautiful!

I love this essay!

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Brenna's avatar

Thank you for reading Fran, and thanks for the well wishes!

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Zefan's avatar

Happy birthday, Brenna! So happy to have gotten to know you here! And this is such a beautiful ritual that I might steal 💖

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Brenna's avatar

I agree Zefan, the feeling is mutual! Please do steal it, I love reading my old letters to myself.

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Gabriela R. Proietti's avatar

Happy birthday!! Loved this! (We are both Taurus ♉️)

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Brenna's avatar

I see that in you with your impeccable taste in fashion! Happy bday to you too!

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Katie Dunn's avatar

Happy birthday Brenna! A wonderful and thoughtful read, thank you! Many points to ‘highlight’!

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Brenna's avatar

Thanks Katie, and thanks for reading!

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Claire Polders's avatar

Happy birthday! (We actually share this day.) And what a beautiful letter to yourself!

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Brenna's avatar

Happy bday Claire! It's funny a lot of my readers are sharing my astrological sign :) teehee

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Claire Polders's avatar

Thanks! I have a good friend and a cousin-in-law who also have their birthday on May 15—it’s a great day.

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Kelsey Rose's avatar

Happiest birthday, Brenna! 🎂❣️

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Brenna's avatar

Thanks Kelsey! So happy for you your substack is hitting the charts!!!

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Kelsey Rose's avatar

Thank you! I think it was a fleeting chart moment, but I am so grateful if even one person reads!!

Happy May! ❤️

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Brenna's avatar

Fleeting chart moment 📈 haha 😝 well I agree with you there! One reader still makes my day!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Happy Birthday!🎂

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Brenna's avatar

Thanks Jeanine!!! Love having you here as a reader!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thank you!

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Candace's avatar

Just what I needed to read! So thoughtful.

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Brenna's avatar

Thanks Candance !!! Miss you.

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

Happy birthday, dear Brenna!!! ❤️ sending you a hug and a wonderful directional year ahead xx

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Brenna's avatar

Thank you so much Lolly!!!

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Holly's avatar

Happy birthday my dear! I loved this so much.

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Brenna's avatar

Thank you Holly :) :)

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Erin Henderson's avatar

This is a lovely idea, Breanna!

Years ago, when I was really young and enamoured with hustle culture, I would create five year plans. Now that I’m a bit older and have developed an allergy to hustle culture, I realize how exhausting and self-defeating and counter productive this is. Moving in the direction of what is interesting leaves so much more room for discovery; holding tightly to the destination is limiting.

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Brenna's avatar

Thank you Erin! I have this same allergy hehe.

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Mara's avatar

Wow love this I can’t wait to write a letter to myself !

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Brenna's avatar

Thanks for reading 📖

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