How to be more creative with your goals

Trying to save money always makes the greatest stories.

Earlier this month, I was in San Diego spending a day on the beach — but I only had $10.

I also wanted to eat at the Most Reviewed (on yelp) local mexican restaurant.

I went to the restaurant. The things I wanted were outside of my budget.

I was not giving up there. It was taco time.

Several conversations with the workers later, I got a massive discount on my food. 2 tacos, and 3 churros for $7, leaving me just enough for transit. After I ate and was just leaving, they offered a massive box of nachos for free.

I became friends with the workers. None of this would’ve happened if I paid full price for my food.

When you set ambitious outcomes, you force yourself to think differently.

The human brain is lazy. It’s easier to uber everywhere, harder to take transit. It’s easier to pay the bill than to negotiate the bill. It’s easier to stay inside than go out.

When you commit to “ambitious” goals, your brain isn’t lazy, it becomes creative. It has to think in novel ways. It has to think more.

Anyone can have a goal. When you add “restrictions,” you need to think about your goal from a new approach.

For example, if you had the goal of going on three dates, you could probably do with a simple approach.