Whatever one does, it always comes with two objectives.

One is the short-term objective; the other is the long-term objective.

The challenge is to figure out how to align them.

Consider a golf swing. Its two objectives are to hit the ball and to hit it to a chosen target.

The plan that results from these two objectives consists of instructions allowing one to do both: hit the ball and reach the target.

Such a plan only works if one can avoid being distracted by one’s fear of failing or the felt obligation to succeed. It’s developing confidence that one’s action has a good chance of succeeding, without needing a guarantee that it will succeed.

Developing such confidence happens through practice and curiosity. It serves our discovery of the various details that contribute to the cause-and-effect relationship we seek to create. It serves our discovery of the various details that prevent the cause-and-effect relationship we seek to create. Everything else is left to uncertainty and chance.