Know which type of goals you're chasing

It’s important that you know what kind of company you are working for. In particular, if your company has reached the stage where things are steady and predictable or if they remain mostly unknown.

Some companies, especially bigger ones, tend to move in a fixed direction. Goals and projects are set out a long time in advance. There is a general agreement that what was picked is what will happen and that for the most part, other things can wait. In this company, targets are goal posts. They’re fixed and visible from far away.

Other companies, especially smaller ones, tend to change direction regularly. Goals and projects are small and set out as they arise. There is a general agreement that what you picked might fall off the priority list and that, for the most part, what’s most important will move around. In this company, goals are like an animal that you’re chasing. It knows you’re coming and is doing it best to get away from you.

A feeling of deep frustration can arise if you mistakenly believe you’re in the other type of company.

If you’re in a goal post company thinking that you’re chasing an animal you’re going to get bored. Goal post companies require patience and a willingness to do the same thing day after day. That’s not to say they are themselves boring but they will be if you expect a chase.

If you’re in a chase company thinking you’re heading towards a goal post you’re going to feel frustrated. Chasing a moving target requires moving fast and stopping when you’re not ready to change course. Not every move you make is going to get you closer to what you’re chasing but you can’t know that until you try.

Most startups are the animal chasing kind. Or at least they should be. They won’t stay that way forever but then again they won’t always be startups. If you’re in a startup and pining for year long clarity you’re probably going to be unhappy. You can have a year-long feeling of what you’re chasing but startups win because they’re willing to run through the thicket chasing something that’s trying its darnedest to stay ahead of them.