How Would You Know If Your Goals Are Too Big?

You know the quote:  “Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”  It’s great to play for big goals, but there is such a thing as goals that are “too big.”

I get faced with this issue often – clients wanting to quadruple their income in just a few months, or they’re planning to dominate the market when they’re brand-new in business.

I never ask clients to play small, but I do want them set up to win.  So I ask if their goal is worth shooting for – regardless of the results. 

When a client says that the process is only worth it if they get big results, I usually recommend they choose another goal.  Why?  Because when clients need big results to feel satisfied, their commitment withers up on the days when the results look doubtful.  In other words, they’ll lose their passion and enthusiasm right at the moment when they need it most to keep going.

When I hear a client say that they’d be happy they played for the goal, even if they miss it by a mile, I know their goals are a good fit for them – no matter how big the goal is.  The endeavour is fulfillment all by itself, and they’ll keep playing even when it looks impossible.  And really, “keeping playing” may be all it takes to achieve the impossible, so these clients actually have a chance of doing it.

The key isn’t to pretend you want to do the process, and fake yourself into thinking you’re committed.  The key is to be honest with yourself about your desires for results AND the process, and choose your goals accordingly.

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