A role-focused life centers on the continuous fulfillment of meaningful roles, emphasizing the ongoing process of becoming the person you aspire to be. In contrast, a goal-focused life tends to prioritize specific achievements, which may not always contribute to a sense of purpose or long-term satisfaction.
Generally speaking, with goals, if we don’t achieve them, we may consider ourselves failures. And when we do achieve them, what we hoped they would bring doesn’t always materialise.
In contrast, the role-focused approach emphasises the process more than the outcome. For example, consider a situation where you work hard to accomplish something but aren’t successful. If you focus solely on the goal, you may feel inadequate or believe you’ve failed.
However, if you focus on the process and the effort you put in within the context of that role, you can still experience a sense of fulfillment and increased self-esteem through the progress and personal growth you achieved.
Role-Focused Mindset
People perceive role success in different ways. Daiki believes that role satisfaction and success are highly subjective experiences. Therefore, how you feel about your success in the context of your roles is very important. It’s your personal sense, and believing in it is necessary to improve your feeling of role success.
Navigating societal expectations in a goal-oriented world requires a mindful approach. He shares that while he acknowledges external expectations, he prioritizes roles aligned with his values. By doing so, he aims to redefine success on his own terms, emphasizing personal growth and contribution to others over specific achievements.
Of course, external expectations can encourage us and increase our motivation. However, if we focus too much on these expectations, they can become significant stressors. Daiki recommends focusing on the process rather than the goals. Being mindful of your roles and efforts will help enrich your rolefulness.
How can people strike a balance between goals and roles?
According to Daiki, striking a balance involves integrating both into a holistic life strategy. Goals can serve as milestones within the broader context of the roles we play. This approach allows for flexibility, adaptability, and a more sustainable pursuit of personal fulfillment. Emphasizing roles also encourages steady, meaningful progress—where small, intentional steps within each role matter just as much as the outcomes.
For someone just starting to shift from a goal-focused to a role-focused mindset, Daiki recommends exploring your personal values and identifying roles that align with them. One helpful practice is keeping an introspective journal—regularly writing about your experiences, thoughts, and feelings in each role can reveal what energizes you and what feels most authentic. Start small, focusing on a few key roles, and gradually expand as you uncover what brings the most fulfillment and meaning to your life.