@Coin said:
this is because the book and the writers of the book assume that it's understood that each Aspiration, even short-term ones, are supposed to further the character's progression.
I get what you're saying, and where you're coming from, but I disagree with your premise.
An aspiration is a tool to help advance a character through a story, yes, but it's really nothing more than trying to set out a couple of points that you would like to see happen in this character's particular narrative at that time. They are things to keep in mind, and directions you want to take them in. Nothing more than that. They don't have to represent some deep and philosophical soul-searching journey. They're just... what they are. They are things that either the player or the character want to see happen in a story, minor accomplishments for short-term stuff and major accomplishments for long-term stuff. It doesn't have to go any deeper than that, and trying to judge what aspirations are worthy may end up being more of a pain in the ass than it's worth. All that should really be required is:
Is this an action that requires the character to go out on the grid and interact with the world in some way that's important to their enjoyment of the game?
Some context might be necessary, on certain ones, sure. 'Buy Sammy a beer' might not be great, but 'Buy Sammy a beer so that we can start establishing a friendly relationship' is better. Either is simple, gives the character and the player a direct goal to work toward (rather than having them wander aimlessly wondering what to do) and is easily check-able.