The cat is how most approach life, set a goal and head in that direction. Alice seems to be attempting a new way, set a direction first. In doing so you would then pick goals along that path to confirm if you were heading in the correct direction.

The direction is an analogy for values, which don't have a an acquisition or completion property like a goal. Values give meaning to your goals and come closer to defining our world then what a mere objective could ever do.

Taking the goal first approach may leave a person without purpose once it's completed, which is often felt by a sense of depression and sadness. Any work done in achieving that objective is soon undone.