Finding Balance: The Philosophy of Telic and Atelic Activities in Everyday Life
I recently came across a blog about New Year goal setting that delved into the philosophy of Kieran Setiya and his concepts of telic and atelic activities. Telic activities are goal-driven, while atelic activities are those we enjoy for their own sake. During a self-described midlife crisis, filled with malaise and regret, Setiya used his skills—questioning, thinking, and communicating—to make sense of his experience.
Striking the right balance between telic and atelic activities is, in my view, one of the most important aspects of life. For instance, my telic activities include training to run a 20-minute 5k and saving £100 a month. On the atelic side, I enjoy playing chess simply for the fun of it. But here’s the twist: many activities can be both. Chess, for example, can be atelic when played purely for enjoyment and telic if I set a goal to achieve a 1600 rating. Similarly, different components of an activity can lean toward either telic or atelic purposes, depending on how you approach them.
So, how do you find the “right” balance? The honest answer: I don’t know, and I doubt anyone does. Anyone claiming to have the definitive answer is probably trying to sell you something. This question is fundamental yet deeply personal, and my own approach involves constant tweaking. The time I devote to chess versus running shifts week by week, influenced by both external factors and my inner state.
One method that helps me is introspection. Regular self-reflection is a powerful way to assess whether you’re leaning too heavily on telic or atelic pursuits. I make a habit of sitting down once a week, turning off the lights, and letting my thoughts flow gently. This quiet practice allows me to tune into what my subconscious and body might be trying to tell me. Often, your body knows more than your conscious mind—it just needs a chance to speak.
What about you? Do the concepts of telic and atelic activities resonate with you? Do you have any strategies for finding the “right” balance in your life?
