**It’s better to set goals that you have full control over.** **Prefer internal goals.** They are more achievable and thereby more likely to be followed through on. They set you up for success _and_ for happiness. # External Goals Goals dependent upon some external factor. ## Example: - **My goal is to win the tennis match** - What if the other player has a best-ever match? - **My goal is to finish coding function X today** - What roadblocks might come up in coding that function # Internal Goals Goals wholly within your control. ## Example: - My goal is to play my best to give me the biggest chance of winning. - My goal is to stay focused all day on coding X - You can achieve this, regardless of technical roadblocks - [[Don't Force It]] **** ## Source  ## Related - [[SMART Goals]] - [[Reward Don't Make for Good Work]] - [[Intrinsic Motivation]]