The danger of high goals

What this episode covers

Whatever it is that you do it’s important to figure out the goalposts that you’re aiming for because it’s very frustrating to be aiming for moving targets. For instance, if it is money, or fame or a ranking – whatever the goal, make sure it is clearly defined.However I contend that even more importantly you need to decide what you are prepared to accept as a minimum achievement. With almost 8 billion people on earth, whilst it is admirable to aim for number one the reality is that it is unlikely and will only ever be a temporary position.It is worth spending time working out what is acceptable for you to continue doing what you do and preferably love. This target is the only bar you need to get over because anything above that can then be viewed as gravy. There is only ever a thin layer of gravy because the reality is it’s the food that sustains us and what we can’t do without.It’s more enjoyable if we choose healthy food so whatever it is you choose to do make sure it leads to or is work you can enjoy most the time.In my experience, athletes that approach well defined targets with the mindset that they’re only prepared to do it if it works out generally quit too early, because no one can judge accurately the amount of adversity, and time it will take to master skills to the highest levels. Without clearly defining the lowest bar there is likely to be a constant feeling of failure, of nothing ever being good enough other than the high bar.It is far healthier and enjoyable if your only concern is improving your skills as that ultimately determines a lot of the outcomes. Competence, not only breeds confidence, it is usually visible and makes it easier for others to appreciate.There are always outliers, though, it is rare for someone to be highly competent and not make a living or achieve anything, just as it is rare for somebody who is totally incompetent to reach the highest levels. I know there are many other factors in life, such as connections, network, opportunity and resources that affect success with personal life choices being one of the biggest, but I standby the thought that if your attitude and work ethic are good, you can only improve and achieve many things.Whatever metric you use to measure your personal success. make sure you think about it and write it down to remind you to not move the target the moment you get there.  Enjoy the success before you decide what your next move or hurdle to jump will be.Life moves on continuously so understand that it is folly to chase the front of the traffic on a motorway. Even if you are one of the rare breed that temporarily is at the head of the traffic at some point, cars will come along and pass you or turn onto the motorway ahead of you so is it not healthier to actually enjoy driving?True success in anything demands a level of unconditional effort. Relationships feed and grow through unconditional love and effort.A purely transactional life is a lonely and poor life starved of the richness that comes from doing things for love.In summary what level is worth it to you? Put a minimum ranking or amount on it so you know what you are aiming for and if you achieve it happily go chasing rainbows.If you would like to arrange a 15minute call to discuss your circumstances and how I may be of help book via the Calendly link in the show notes. https://calendly.com/david-2060/discovery-call-ny-eastern   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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