Anti-Goals: Your Secret Weapon for an Intentional Life
This time of year, we’re all knee-deep in goal-setting. Dreaming big, mapping out all the things we want to achieve… and probably juggling a coffee cup the size of our head while we’re at it.
But what if this year, instead of only asking “What do I want?”, you also ask, “What do I not want?”
Enter: Anti-Goals.
It’s a concept inspired by Charlie Munger (Warren Buffett’s business partner and all-around wise guy) that flips traditional goal-setting on its head. Instead of chasing more—more milestones, more hustle, more “success”—it’s about defining what you want to avoid.
Because sometimes the path to a happier, calmer life isn’t about adding things—it’s about subtracting the stuff that drains you.
Step 1: Picture Your Worst Day.
Close your eyes (okay, don’t really close them yet—you’re reading). Now imagine a day that feels like your personal nightmare:
A calendar so packed you don’t have time to breathe, let alone think.
Meetings or people that leave you feeling like a deflated balloon.
Obligations that pull you away from what really matters.
Nope. We don’t want that.
Here’s the magic: When you know what your worst day looks like, you can design your life to avoid it.
Step 2: Write Your Anti-Goals.
To get you started, here’s what’s on my Anti-Goal list for 2025:
No rigid schedules that leave zero room for life’s little joys (like impromptu tea parties with my kids or that extra minute to watch the chickens peck around).
Avoid saying “yes” to projects that don’t light me up—even if they sound shiny.
Never compromise rest (because a well-rested me is a better mom, creator, and human).
Steer clear of the comparison trap. My goals are mine. My pace is mine.
See how powerful this gets? It’s like drawing a clear boundary around what matters most to you.
Step 3: Build a Life That Feels Good on the Inside.
Anti-Goals aren’t just about avoiding burnout (though that’s a huge win). They’re about creating space for the things you do want:
Time to work deeply and intentionally.
Flexibility to enjoy the life you’re building.
The clarity to say “no” so you can make room for the better “yes.”
So before 2025 turns into another year of doing it all, take a second. What are your Anti-Goals? What will you not allow to sneak onto your calendar, into your mind, or over your boundaries?
Start subtracting. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter—and more joyful—your life feels.
Here’s to a year of less overwhelm and more aligned, intentional living.
Cheering for you,
P.S. If you need a little structure to map out your Anti-Goals and build a life that works smarter, not harder, you know I’ve got your back. Check out my blog post on How to Do a Life Audit to hone in on what you’re working with, and how it compares to where you want to be.