Goal setting is often described as a serious, structured process—lists, deadlines, and measurable outcomes. But sometimes the best way to understand it is by looking at it from a very different angle.
Say… from the floor. Preferably while staring at a sunbeam.

Let’s explore goal setting from two perspectives: a human trying to build a meaningful life, and a cat who has already mastered it!

For humans, goal setting is about direction. We set goals to grow, improve, and move closer to the life we imagine for ourselves.

Humans tend to:

• Think long-term (“Where do I want to be in five years?”)
• Break goals into steps
• Track progress
• Feel motivated—and sometimes overwhelmed

A well-set goal gives structure. It turns vague hopes into clear intentions:

• I want to get healthier becomes I’ll exercise three times a week.
• I want to do better in school becomes I’ll study 30 minutes every day.

From the human point of view, goals are about purpose. They help us stay focused when motivation fades and remind us why effort matters.

Now imagine goal setting as a cat.

A cat’s goals might look like this:

• Sit in the warmest spot in the house ☀️
• Obtain food (again)
• Knock object off table for science
• Nap deeply and without regret

Cats don’t write these goals down. They embody them.

From a cat’s perspective:

• Goals are immediate and clear
• There is no guilt about rest
• Persistence is natural (meow until food happens)
• Failure just means trying again later

A cat doesn’t worry about yesterday’s missed nap or tomorrow’s meal. The focus is on what matters right now. And somehow, the goals still get met.

Cats may not use planners, but they understand a few things humans often forget:

1. Rest is part of progress
   Cats nap constantly—and still manage to be fully functional (and dramatic). Humans often burn out by ignoring rest, even though it fuels long-term success.
2. Confidence matters
   Cats act like they belong everywhere. Approaching goals with quiet confidence—even before you feel “ready”—can make a big difference.
3. Adjust without self-judgment
   If a cat doesn’t catch the red dot, they don’t spiral into self-criticism. They simply wait for the next chance.

If cats ever decided to attend a goal-setting workshop, they might benefit from:

• Planning ahead (food doesn’t magically appear… usually)
• Sharing goals (instead of staring until humans guess)
• Accepting that not every goal involves snacks

But honestly, they seem pretty satisfied already.

The best approach to goal setting might live somewhere between these two perspectives.

From humans:
✔ Vision
✔ Structure
✔ Long-term growth

From cats:
✔ Presence
✔ Self-trust
✔ Rest without guilt

Set goals that move you forward—but don’t forget to pause in the sunlight once in a while.
After all, even the most ambitious human can learn something from a cat who knows exactly when it’s time to nap. 🐾