But let's take the frame a little further.

Among the 3 (purpose, goals, system), goals are the weakest element.

Goals should not exist without the others, as we've seen. But the reverse is not true.

When you have a clear purpose burning in your heart, and a good system to focus attention and make progress, you don't need goals!

Actually, the use of goals is a sign of failure:

• either your purpose is not clear,
• or you are not enough committed,
• or your system is unreliable.

Goals are an attempt to compensate for a weak purpose and a weak system.

The defining factor that determines whether goals will help or harm is, therefore, the strength of your purpose and your systems.