Who is Joe Goalberg?

If you’ve never met him, Joe Goldberg is the disturbingly charming main character from Netflix’s YOU. Joe isn’t a role model—he’s a warning sign with great bone structure. He’s obsessive, strategic, and disturbingly focused. And while we don’t endorse any of his actual actions (no stalking, no murder, no glass cages please), his level of single-minded commitment? That’s exactly the kind of energy we’re here to borrow.

What is the Joe Goalberg Method?

It’s productivity with a side of obsession.

It’s not about balance. It’s about fixation.

In a world where everyone tells you to “just do your best,” Joe would tell you to do your obsession. Because dabblers don’t finish books, launch brands, or build anything memorable. Obsessives do.

Step 1: Make Yourself the Obsession

Joe doesn’t get distracted. When he sees something he wants, everything else fades away. No casual interests. No “maybe someday” vibes. He zeroes in with laser focus.

This is your permission slip to do the same.

Want to write a book? Launch a product? Train for that marathon? Then stop dabbling and start fixating.

Turn Your Goal Into Your North Star:

Create an Obsession Board:

Think conspiracy wall, not Pinterest-perfect.
Print photos. Scribble notes. Highlight deadlines.
Add maps, timelines, post-it notes with quotes.

Example: Writing a book? Pin:

Your book title.
A mock-up cover.
Daily word count targets.
Photos of favorite authors who’ve done it before.

Make Your Devices Your Allies:

Change your phone wallpaper to your goal (book cover mock-up, Shopify dashboard, finish line).
Rename your Wi-Fi to something like: “FinishTheBook2025” or “MarathonMode.”
Set daily alarms with phrases like: “WRITE, YOU LEGEND.”

Romanticize the Hustle in Your Journal:

Open every entry with: “I see YOU.”
Journal directly to your goal like it’s a character you’re obsessed with.

Example Prompt:
“I see YOU. You want ____________ but are unsure. I hear the voice of doubt, but I choose to listen to the whisper of obsession instead.”

Goal Breakdown Examples

Want to Write a Book? Break it Down Like a Crime Scene:

Title or working concept.
Chapter outline.
Writing schedule: 500 words/day = 15,000/month.
Milestone rewards: Fancy pen, café day, new book.
Who will read it? Picture them.
Final deadline: Non-negotiable. Print it. Circle it.

Training for a Marathon? Obsess Like Joe in Track Pants:

Choose your race date.
Download a beginner training plan (Hal Higdon, Nike Run Club).
Buy running shoes you love enough to post on Instagram.
Track every run. Post about it. Make it real.
Fuel like an athlete: Water, protein, rest.
Visualize the finish line daily.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome — The Joe Way

Joe never thinks he’s not good enough. That thought doesn’t occur to him. He assumes he belongs, even when he absolutely should not.

So when the voice of doubt whispers, “Who are you to do this?” respond with this:

The Joe Goalberg Inner Monologue Reframe:

“You? You were made for this. The others are pretending. You’re the one who actually knows.”

Guided Journal Prompt: “The voice in my head tells me I can’t _____________. But I know this voice is fear, not fact. What I DO know is: _____________.”

Obsession beats hesitation. Every time.

This isn’t just manifestation. It’s romantic obsession for your future.

Now go print your mood board. Change your Wi-Fi name. And write a love letter to your next success story.