PACT vs HARD Goals: Which is Right for You as a Musician?
- Gökçe Kutsal
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
[Missed the previous post? Start here: How HARD Goals Motivate Musicians to Push Through Performance Anxiety]
By now, you’ve seen two very different approaches to goal setting:
PACT goals: gentle, consistent, action-based.
HARD goals: bold, emotional, future-driven.
The natural question is: Which one should I choose?
When I first started using these frameworks with my clients, I quickly learned that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — and that's a good thing.
Because the real magic happens when you choose based on where you are right now, not where you think you "should" be.
Let’s take a closer look.
When PACT Goals Are the Best Fit
PACT goals are often the perfect place to start if you’re:
Feeling burnt out, anxious, or defeated by past "failures".
Recovering from a heavy period of self-doubt or harsh self-criticism.
Wanting to rebuild trust in yourself by focusing on manageable, consistent actions.
Needing permission to celebrate showing up rather than winning trophies.
PACT goals feel like laying down stepping stones, steady and reliable.
You might not know exactly where they’ll lead yet — but you trust the path under your feet.
Small signs PACT is right for you now:
You dread setting big goals because they feel overwhelming.
You crave a sense of calm, not adrenaline.
You want to fall back in love with the process of making music.
When HARD Goals Are the Best Fit
HARD goals shine when you’re:
Ready to chase something that truly stirs your heart.
Feeling a restless energy, a longing to stretch, even if it scares you.
Willing to accept short-term discomfort for long-term fulfilment.
Needing a goal that will hold you accountable to your highest self, not just your "safe" self.
HARD goals feel like lighting a fire — a brave, vulnerable declaration that you’re willing to care deeply, even if it’s risky.
Small signs HARD is right for you now:
You’re tired of playing it safe.
You feel excited (and slightly terrified) thinking about your next step.
You’re ready to step into a version of yourself you’ve glimpsed but haven’t fully owned yet.
Quick Self-Check: Which Path Is Yours Today?
Ask yourself honestly:
Question | If YES... |
Am I feeling exhausted, anxious, or in need of rebuilding? | Start with PACT goals. |
Am I yearning for a big leap, even if it scares me? | Consider a HARD goal. |
Do I need to rebuild self-trust through gentle action? | PACT goals are best. |
Am I willing to endure discomfort for a dream that matters deeply? | HARD goals can fuel you. |
(Of course, life isn’t binary — you might find elements of both are calling to you. That’s perfectly fine.)
Psst... You Can Blend PACT and HARD Goals
One of the most beautiful lessons I’ve learned — both personally and through my clients — is that you don't have to pick one forever.
You might use PACT goals to rebuild your confidence while working toward a larger HARD goal in the background.
Or you might pursue a HARD goal, and sprinkle smaller PACT commitments along the way to stay grounded.
For example:
HARD goal: Perform at a regional music festival next summer.
PACT goals: Practise guitar 20 minutes daily. Reach out to one local promoter each month. Perform one live set every two months.
The two frameworks aren’t rivals.
They’re companions — each supporting a different part of your musical journey.
Final Thoughts: A Season for Every Type of Growth
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this series, it’s this:
You are allowed to set goals that fit your current season of life, not someone else’s timeline.
Some seasons call for boldness.
Some call for gentleness.
Both are part of building a creative life you can be proud of — one you don't have to burn yourself out to maintain.
Wherever you are right now, that's where you’re meant to begin.
Want to dive deeper into setting kinder, braver goals as a musician?
I'll be sharing more guides and reflections soon — including how to recover gracefully when goals don't go to plan.
Stay tuned... or if you'd like, sign up to my letters (click the link or scroll down below) to get updates directly.
