Step up the challenge

There are those who believe in Moon-shots. Even if you miss, and reach just 10%, it still is impressive. In a way, I agree with the sentiment.

However you need to understand, aiming and actually doing are two different things.

There is a trap in aiming for the Moon.

You may take on a challenge that is so impossible, it will suck out all motivation from you, burn you out on the way. Asking yourself at first, “why I am not there yet?” Which turns into a statement, slowly, “I am not good enough”. And leads to stagnating mindset, “I will never be worthy enough”.

Yet those who achieve the greatest success, tend to own the growth mindset.

Where every step, every failure, is just another learning opportunity. Well, at least until the downside is limited and there are really no long term negative consequences.

E.g. I suppose nobody in their right mind would propose the same approach for developing reactors. Don’t do that!

When the downside is managed, growth mindset is the ruler of the land. It turns the above questions and fears into genuine curiousity. How could this be done better? How could someone already do that? How can I learn that?

Chasing these answers, you build a staircase toward your aim. Of course if you aim too low, the staircase will be quickly built. Then we like to compare staircases built by others. Some may be less of a quality and wobble from side to side yet they stand on it proudly.

Others will be stable, they can run up and down on it. When they tumble down a few steps, e.g. lose an investment, a failed company or personal challenges and losses, they can use their staircase to walk back up.

Step by step.

Aim for the height you really want to reach.

Then build the way there, reach it.

One slightly bigger challenge at a time.

As your horizon grows, you may find new heights to go for.

How high you aim? And how do you plan to get there?