Forward

From the inky mouth of the cave, a shaft of sunlight speared the heart of darkness. It pierced a constellation of dust motes, igniting them into a thousand fireflies dancing around a monolith of forbidden knowledge. It wasn't gold or jewels that gleamed in the sun's caress. It was a book covered in a skin of green scales, a kaleidoscope of infernal fire, each scale canvas for writhing glyphs that hissed secrets forgotten by time. The Grimgriff Malefica, legend whispered real, nestled like a sleeping serpent in the velvet embrace of a forgotten altar.

My breath hitched in my throat, a shard of ice against the inferno within. Years of whispers and tavern tales traded like contraband all culminated in this moment. Standing in front of it, I was face-to-face with the abyss. I gingerly traced the obsidian claws that clasped the book shut, claws dripping with a viscous oil that shimmered like spilt moonlight. Their points touched, forming a symbol of endless hunger, their jaws ready to devour anything foolish enough to pry it open. And I was a fool, wasn't I? 

But fear was a luxury I could not afford. The Grimgriff Malefica was more than a tome of dark magic. It was a ravenous beast in slumber, a symbol of endless hunger. The Death Book was a portal, a gateway to the labyrinth that coils within every soul. Within its pages, I knew lurked oblivion. Each turn was a mirror reflecting the darkest corners of my being, whispering doubts that would twist and fester, bloating until they consumed me whole. The labyrinth within is one of my own fears, my insecurities, and my gnawing emptiness. 

The Grimgriff Malefica feeds on the "whys," the insatiable hunger for answers that devours lives like moths to a flame. It promises power, control, and an escape from the shackles of choice. But the price you pay is your very essence, bartered for the illusion of meaning. Knowing your “why” is a creation, a fabrication in a show of gusto to the world. But it is a question that cannot be answered, not truly. “Why” represents a finality that does not exist. 

Amidst the seductive whispers, a spark ignited. What if, I thought, the Grimgriff Malefica's darkness could be turned against itself? What if I did not succumb to its siren song but used it as a torch, illuminating a path within? What if I used it to face my doubts, not with a whimper but with a roar? 

With my heart a drum against my ribs, I took a step forward, and the shadows seemed to recoil. The book pulsed, its glyphs writhing in defiance, but I held firm. This was not about claiming forbidden knowledge; it was about using its power. To emerge from the labyrinth and write my own stories about an existence I choose.

The true journey, I knew, was not the finding of answers. It was about becoming. About choosing my identity. About living my being. This is the tale of defiance. An outcry to the power of becoming, of choosing who you want to be in the face of the abyss. So open, Grimgriff Malefica. Let us dance, you and me, on the precipice of oblivion. And let us see, together, not what it means to succumb but what it means to rise.

Because the truth is, the greatest journey isn't about false security in a fabricated answer. It is about choosing who you want to be in the face of the unknown.

Are you ready to begin? 

Chapter Structure

Each chapter of Get Sh*t Done: Stop Asking, 'Why?' follows a deliberate rhythm.

Introduction: These opening lines set the scene, establish the atmosphere, and introduce the central theme of the chapter. It is a thematic compass, guiding you into the world and story to come.

Rhea & Talonar Story: The griffin protagonists, Rhea and Talonar, take centre stage. This section showcases their journey, their challenges, and their evolving understanding of the "why" vs. "who" dynamic. It is where the heart of the narrative beats.

Chapter Content: Here the chapter's central theme unfolds. It is the exploration of the thematic compass introduced at the beginning. Examine the broader themes of doubt, fear, and the unwavering power of becoming and choosing your identity. 

This structure allows for a layered exploration of the "why" vs. "who" concept, offering both personal and philosophical insights throughout the story. It is a dance between the individual journey and the universal truth, ensuring every chapter resonates with both Rhea and Talonar's struggles and your own quest for self-discovery.

Stop asking, why?

Ask, Who am I becoming? 

Chapter 1

The Myth of "Why"

Advice on goal-setting has been poured out for generations. There is a veritable explosion of success-oriented acronyms and frameworks, from the time-honoured SMART goals to the more contemporary OKRs, BHAGs, and WOOPs. But many people still feel helpless and frustrated because their dreams seem forever out of reach. This is in sharp contrast to the plethora of approaches to help you achieve. Your ongoing struggle begs the question: Why? (Author’s note: The irony of that question in the context of this chapter should not be lost on you.)

There is a solution that stems from the inherent problems with conventional methods of goal-setting. While they frequently provide a structured framework, their emphasis on introspection and "finding your why" can result in paralysis by analysis. Hours are spent dissecting motivations, devising complex plans, and agonising over every detail. This overemphasis on the "why" can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stuck, making it difficult to take decisive action.

Furthermore, many traditional methods disregard the power of the unconscious mind. They miss out on the vast reservoir of intuition, creativity, and emotion that fuels your drive and motivation by focusing solely on conscious thought and rational planning. Because you rely so heavily on conscious processes, you can become robotic and disconnected from the deeper forces that propel you forward.

These limitations have substantial psychological repercussions. When you are under continual pressure to "find your why," it can make you feel inadequate and cause you to doubt yourself. You stop pursuing your goals for your own sake and start fixating on the perfection of the goal-seeking process as validation for your success. This can lead to an endless loop of striving and falling short, which in turn diminishes your feelings of contentment and your health.

Thankfully, a path forward exists. An approach to goal-setting exists that does not rely on self-reflection, and it is exciting. Choice clarity, intuitive decision-making, and strategy with an emphasis on action are central to this approach. This approach places a priority on goals that are aligned with your chosen core values and identity, creating a sense of internal coherence and purpose that fuels motivation and drives progress. And if your identity is not congruent with your goals, it provides a framework to change your identity to match your goals. 

This approach to goal-setting draws on existing, known, and fundamental principles in psychology, neuroscience, and personal development. Journey beyond the limitations of traditional goal-setting methods. Explore powerful strategies that harness your unconscious mind and cultivate an action-oriented mindset. By the end of this exploration, you will be equipped with a new understanding of goal-setting and be empowered to achieve your aspirations with greater clarity, confidence, and fulfilment.

This is not just about achieving goals; it's about reclaiming your power and reclaiming your life. It's about discovering the joy of action, the satisfaction of progress, and the ultimate fulfilment that comes from living a life aligned with your true self. It was not too long ago that people believed the world was flat. Sail to a new world by embracing a new paradigm of goal-setting. A place where you prioritise clarity, action, and the inherent wisdom of your own unconscious mind.

Dawn of Discontent

As the dawn broke, the sun's warm rays began to illuminate the vast metropolis. Golden light penetrated the peaks of elaborate spires and intricate rooftops that blended classical architecture with contemporary style. In the middle of the vibrant metropolis of Volaris, Rhea sat elegantly on a lofty balcony, her wings delicately tucked behind her. A lone figure in the morning light, her silhouette etched against the awakening skyline. 

The streets below were alive with the morning's activity as griffins of all sizes and colours went about their business, some soaring through the air and others walking boldly on the ground. Rhea scanned the morning headlines on her tablet with her keen falcon eyes. She sighed, desiring something more exciting than today's reporting assignment. The lecture on ancient griffin architecture for the lifestyle section of The Griffurban Mirror felt so routine.  

Rhea closed her eyes and felt the sun's warmth spread over her slender frame as it rose higher in the sky. Her thoughts wandered aimlessly, caught up in dreams unfulfilled. She had joined The Griffurban Mirror as a journalist with a fire of ideas. Three years later, the monotony of daily life had nearly extinguished that spark. 

Over the course of her career, she enthusiastically embraced every method for establishing objectives. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART), Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs), Background, Approach, Challenges, Knowledge Required (BACK), Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan (WOOP), and the GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will) were all on the list. 

Each attempt at a new goal-setting method filled Rhea with hope, a beacon she believed could help her career. But the real-world application was very different. She struggled with their limitations, feeling they suffocated her natural curiosity and independence. It was ironic that she had spent more time perfecting these strategies than working towards her real objectives. Analysis paralysis frequently set in, causing undue stress and anxiety in her life, all of which contributed to her overthinking. The weight of this realisation pressed down hard on her. Why was this such a challenge?

Her eyes popped open as she remembered her day's assignment. Even though it was dull, she worked hard at her job. She flung the tablet through the open door, and it landed on her bed with a soft thud. Rhea hated herself for throwing it across the room the second it crumpled her meticulously crisp and folded azure comforter.  

A gust of wind distracted her and ruffled her feathers. Many stories awaited to be told in the vastness of the city below. Her eyes were filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Today was the day to seize. 

She glanced back at her room. There was no time to straighten her bed. The balcony doors were locked, sealing in the wrinkled bed as a symbol of something she needed to let go of. A sense of strength and elegance washed over her as she spread her wings. Rhea saw it as a physical manifestation of her freedom and potential. She launched herself from the balcony with one powerful leap, her wings catching the air as she soared towards the heart of the city, the wind carrying her towards the day's unknowns.

The Y Symposium

Rhea was about to leave the lecture hall. Her initial reaction to the mix-up was a combination of irritation and disbelief. She had meticulously planned her day around the events she was to attend, as she always did. She had hurried into the lecture hall, her sole focus being on securing a good seat. She found a spot quickly, barely looking at the stage or the other attendees. 

As the lecture began, it was clear that it was not about ancient griffin architecture. Four well-known inspirational speakers had taken the stage. The host welcomed Simon Sinfeather, Talon Robbinwing, Brion Talonclaw, and Zephyr Zigglyn. The realisation that she had mistakenly walked into 'The Y Symposium' left her feeling both frustrated and foolish. 

There had apparently been a last-minute schedule change due to a lecture hall issue, and the architecture lecture had been moved to after this one. Rhea looked around. She would draw attention if she walked out now. 

Instead of leaving, her sharp eyes took in the grandeur of the lecture hall. Its vaulted ceilings were adorned with intricate frescoes depicting ancient griffin civilisations. The stained glass windows cast a rainbow of colours across the hall, filling it with a warm, ethereal light. The beauty of the hall, a magnificent fusion of art and history, calmed her initial irritation.

Rhea reasoned with herself that the architecture lecture was next, and the comfort of her plush seat in such a magnificent setting was too appealing to pass up. She reluctantly decided to stay and etched 'WHY' at the top of her parchment with her quill. Bewilderment washed over her. "Why, indeed?" Rhea thought to herself as she turned her gaze to the stage. 

Simon Sinfeather stood tall and confident, commanding yet approachable in his presence. He was well-known for his philosophical insights into personal motivation and goal-setting. Sinfeather is a celebrated thinker in the griffin world, known for his philosophy starting with why, encouraging griffins to delve deeply into their purposes and beliefs as the foundation of their goals. His teachings frequently focus on circles centred on why, then layered with how and what.

Talon Robinwing, whose vivacious energy and charismatic speeches had made him a favourite of griffins looking for inspiration. His contagious energy seemed to spread throughout the room. Talon Robinwing, a charismatic and dynamic figure, is well-known for his high-energy seminars that help griffin realise their full potential. To his chagrin, he is often called Mr. Motivator. But he is much more; his approach combines personal empowerment with practical self-improvement and goal-attainment strategies. 

Brion Talonclaw was the epitome of practical wisdom. His methodical approach to goal-setting had earned him respect in academic circles. His calm demeanour stood in stark contrast to Robbinwing's dynamism. Talonclaw, a pragmatic and results-oriented mentor, emphasises the importance of setting specific, attainable goals. He is well-known for his straightforward, no-nonsense advice on productivity and success.

Zephyr Zigglyn's humorous yet poignant talks strike a deep chord with his audience. His rare gift of intertwining humour with profound life lessons was an inspiration to griffins. Zigglyn emphasises positive thinking and setting life-changing goals, encouraging griffins to reach their full potential.

Rhea took notes as each speaker shared their insights and mentally connected that information to previous goal-setting workshops she had attended. Rhea had written down five key takeaways from the speakers on why understanding your "why" was important to increase motivation. 

Increases Motivation: Understanding the deeper meaning behind a goal increases motivation and commitment.

Clarity: It aids in focusing efforts and prioritising tasks that are in line with core motivations.

Persistence is facilitated by understanding "why": Understanding "why" can foster resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Enhances Fulfilment: Achieving goals that are connected to personal values and reasons leads to greater satisfaction.

Guides Decision Making: It becomes easier to make choices that are consistent with long-term goals and values.

Rhea felt uneasy as she penned those words with her quill. Rhea spun her quill between her claws as she considered the five points she had written. This was not her previous experience. 

Many of the other speakers she had listened to in the past had talked about why and the importance of understanding why. This focus on why led to difficult and uncomfortable experiences in her life. She stopped spinning her quill between her claws, wrote the disadvantages of understanding your 'why' in goal-setting, and then made notes next to each of the five points.

Increases Motivation: A strong emphasis on 'why' can lead to pressure and stress, especially if you are unable to identify strong or clear enough reasons.

Clarity: A meticulous focus on 'why' can lead to overthinking and analysis paralysis, delaying action due to procrastination, which increases anxiety. 

Facilitates Persistence: A fixation on 'why' makes it difficult to adapt or change goals when circumstances change, leaving you stuck and deflated, making it increasingly difficult to find the willpower to move forward.

Enhances Fulfilment: An unclear or evolving 'why' can lead to dissatisfaction and lethargy because the purpose is unclear, and it can even lead to a sense of failure if goals are met.

Decision Making: Strict adherence to 'why' can limit openness to new opportunities or alternative paths to success. This can lead to a sense of being trapped or boxed in. 

She put her quill down and contemplated the words she had written. Talonar started Rhea out of her reverie when he plopped down in the seat besides her. His unexpected presence caught her off guard. She raised her head to see that the speakers had left the stage and that the Y Symposium had come to an end. She was so preoccupied with her own thoughts that she had missed the end of the lecture.

Ancient Echoes  

Before turning to Talonar, Rhea jotted down a few last thoughts on her parchment. She could feel this young adult griffin's reserved energy bristling next to her. His intelligence was frequently hidden beneath his aloofness. Once Rhea's journalistic instincts were sated, she turned to Talonar and closed her parchment.

"Quite the mix-up with the lectures today," remarked the young architect, his voice tinged with a lightness that belied his keen observation.

A subtle grin glinted on Rhea's beak as she nodded. “I didn’t realise and got stuck in the previous lecture.” 

"There was a big sign out front," Talonar stated unequivocally. He could see Rhea's annoyance in her eyes. "Oh, did the inspirational speeches hold you captive?" teased Talonar. 

When Rhea first met Talonar a number of years ago, his confident responses to her journalistic questions irritated her. Their meeting was at a private event where Grace, Talon, and Stone unveiled their latest architectural masterpiece for Volaris. It was a common gripe among the griffins of Volaris that the city lacked an adequate cultural centre. That call was answered by this structure, which is a remarkable synthesis of classical griffin motifs and modern, clean lines. 

As a first-year architect, Talonar had not yet earned the right to wear a black polo neck. Following the initial presentation, Rhea took it upon herself to introduce him to the harsh world of presenting to professional journalists. His calm, composed rebuttals to her aggressive questions irritated her at first. Rhea was used to more defensive reactions. This unexpected aspect of his personality challenged her initial assumptions, and she became intrigued by his poised assertiveness. She had grown fond of him ever since. 

"Can I expect anything exciting from this lecture?" Rhea inquired, allowing her boredom to seep through to Talonar. Grace, Talon & Stone were well-known in Volaris for fusing modern and ancient architectural styles to create magnificent buildings and structures. This was not the first of their lectures that Rhea covered for The Griffurban Mirror's lifestyle section.  

Talonar had long recognised Rhea's burning desire for journalistic adventure. She frequently let her desire to report on more exciting news slip into their conversations. He had previously shared some additional details that helped spice up her articles where he could. "No. They took my discovery out of the presentation," Talonar responded.

“Find something exciting in the architecture world?” mocked Rhea.  

Talonar grinned playfully back at her. Rhea decided she was not going to be drawn in and instead let him come to her. She sighed and turned her gaze to the stage. The backdrop was an elegant display of architectural blueprints and 3D models, showcasing the firm's contribution of modern and ancient styles to the Volaris cityscape. The Grace, Talon & Stone logo was prominent in the centre. 

Rhea had intuitively chosen the key elements she needed to complete her story for The Griffurban Mirror. She was now enjoying herself as she teased Talonar by ignoring him. She noticed him leaning in closer from the corner of her eye. Rhea tried her hardest not to crack a smile and to pretend she was focusing on the lecture. 

Talonar whispered under his breath, "I did. An ancient book called the Grimgriff Malefica.”

Rhea's demeanour changed in an instant. Her eyes widened as a rush of adrenaline surged through her body. Her thoughts raced as she turned to face Talonar. “Did you say, the Grimgriff Malefica?”

The way Rhea responded caught Talonar off guard. This was the first time he had seen her lose her composure. “Yes,” confirmed Talonar. 

"The Grimgriff Malefica has been found?" Rhea asked urgently. 

“No. I only came across a mention of it," Talonar replied, his voice tinged with worry that the book might contain more information than just folktales.  

Rhea's shoulder sank slightly. Her thoughts continued to race at breakneck speed. "What did you discover?" Rhea needed to know. 

Talonar could tell Rhea was about to bombard him with questions. 

Overview of Traditional

Goal-Setting Methods

Countless goal-setting frameworks have surfaced throughout the years, all claiming to be the key to achieving success. Here are some of the most widely used approaches and the ideas that underlie them.

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals:

The SMART goal framework provides a strategy for setting clear, focused, and attainable goals, paving the way for success in various areas of your life. It is one of the most widely used methods for setting and achieving goals. SMART stands for:

Specific: Clearly define the desired outcome, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Measurable: Quantify the goal to track progress and assess achievement.

Achievable: Set goals that are challenging but attainable, considering available resources and personal capabilities.

Relevant: Ensure the goal aligns with your values, priorities, and overall vision.

Time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency and foster action.

Objectives and Key Results (OKRs):

The OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) framework aims to create alignment and focus by outlining both qualitative and quantitative goals. Here are its main components:

Objectives: Set ambitious, qualitative goals that define the desired direction.

Key Results: Identify measurable outcomes that demonstrate progress towards the objectives.

Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs):

The Big Hairy Audacious Goals framework is intended to inspire and energise individuals and organisations to go beyond the realm of what appears possible. Here's what distinguishes them:

Unrealistic and Ambitious: Embrace a level of audaciousness that stretches your imagination

Inspiring and Motivational: Spark a sense of excitement and passion.

Long-Term Focus: Typically spans a timeframe of 10 to 25 years.

Transformative and Visionary: Fundamentally change the way we think, operate, and interact with the world.

Background, Approach, Challenges,

Knowledge Required (BACK):

The BACK framework provides a comprehensive approach to goal-setting that includes factors other than the desired outcome. Its main components are:

Background: Analyse the context and existing information relevant to the goal.

Approach: Define the specific steps and strategies to achieve the goal.

Challenges: Identify potential obstacles and develop contingency plans.

Knowledge Required: Determine the skills and knowledge necessary to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan (WOOP):

The WOOP framework enables people to tap into their inner resources, build resilience, and achieve their goals with greater clarity, focus, and motivation. WOOP is an abbreviation for:

Wish: Formulate a clear and specific desire for the future.

Outcome: Imagine the desired outcome in vivid detail, fostering emotional investment.

Obstacle: Identify potential challenges and roadblocks that may hinder progress.

Plan: Develop concrete strategies and action steps to overcome obstacles and reach the desired outcome.

GROW Model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will):

The GROW model provides a dynamic framework for goal setting and achievement, as well as dealing with challenges and making decisions. GROW stands for:

Goal: Clearly define the desired outcome.

Reality: Assess the current situation and identify any obstacles or limitations.

Options: Explore various strategies and potential solutions to achieve the goal.

Will: Determine the commitment level and develop a plan for action.

These frameworks are helpful for setting clear and structured goals. Their good points notwithstanding, they frequently fall short in a number of important areas. With their emphasis on detailed planning and introspection, many traditional methods can lead to procrastination and analysis paralysis. The importance of intuition (or gut feelings) and emotional intelligence in motivating people to take action is often overlooked. Furthermore, worrying and second-guessing yourself as a result of feeling obligated to explain a "why" can impede the capacity to act decisively.

WHY SMART is the New D.U.M.B.

While traditional goal-setting methods such as SMART and OKRs have been widely used for decades, new research indicates that they have limitations and potential drawbacks. Here's why they can be considered D.U.M.B. 

D: Demonstrating Limited Applicability

Traditional goal-setting methods frequently promise a clear path to success. However, beneath the surface of their apparent simplicity lies a flaw: their inherent limitations in applicability. While these frameworks appear to be universal, they frequently fail to take into account individual differences in personality, learning styles, and motivation. What works for one person to achieve their goals may leave another feeling frustrated and stuck. Furthermore, by emphasising conscious planning and analysis, these methods overlook the vast potential of the unconscious mind, which is a powerful force in driving action and fostering creativity. In summary, the major flaws are: 

One-size-fits-all: Individual differences in personality, learning styles, and motivation are frequently overlooked by traditional methods. What works for one person may not work for another.

Ignoring the Unconscious: These methods primarily focus on conscious planning and analysis, ignoring the unconscious mind's vast potential for driving action and creativity.

U: Unleashing Analysis Paralysis

Traditional goal-setting frequently falls victim to analysis