“A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.”
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— Unknown
This powerful statement captures the essence of a truly transformative goal. It suggests that the best objectives lie just beyond our current reach. They push us into new territory. If a goal doesn’t stir a bit of fear, it might be too safe. It might be too familiar. Conversely, if it doesn’t ignite a fire of excitement within you, you will likely lack the motivation to see it through. This quote provides a perfect formula. It balances the thrill of the unknown with the passion needed to pursue it. It’s a compass for anyone looking to set goals that lead to genuine growth and accomplishment.
Let’s explore this delicate balance. We will see how you can use this wisdom to set your own ambitious, life-changing goals.
The Healthy Dose of Fear
Why should a goal scare you? Fear often gets a bad reputation. We typically associate it with danger or failure. However, in the context of goal-setting, a little fear is a positive indicator. It signals that you are stepping outside your comfort zone. This is where real growth happens. A goal that feels entirely safe probably lives within the boundaries of what you already know you can do. It doesn’t demand new skills, greater effort, or a stronger mindset.
This healthy fear is not about terror or anxiety. Instead, it is the nervous flutter of anticipation. It’s the voice that asks, “Can I really do this?” That question is a sign that you have chosen a worthy challenge. Psychologists refer to this as setting “stretch goals.” These are objectives that are deliberately challenging to achieve. Research consistently shows that specific and challenging goals lead to higher performance than easy goals. When you aim higher, you almost always achieve more, even if you fall slightly short of the original target. Source
Embracing Productive Discomfort
This fear forces you to prepare more diligently. It encourages you to learn and adapt. Think about training for your first marathon. The distance is daunting, and the fear of not finishing is real. That fear, however, is what drives you to follow a strict training plan. It pushes you to run on days you would rather rest. It makes the final achievement that much sweeter. The fear is a catalyst, not a barrier. It sharpens your focus and builds resilience. Therefore, you should learn to welcome this productive discomfort as a sign you are on the right path.
The Overwhelming Sense of Excitement
While fear points to growth, excitement provides the fuel. The quote wisely states a goal should excite you a lot. This excitement is the powerful, intrinsic motivation that will carry you through the inevitable obstacles. It is the passion for the outcome that makes the hard work feel meaningful. Without genuine excitement, a scary goal just becomes a stressful burden. You will likely abandon it at the first sign of difficulty.
Your excitement comes from a deep connection to the goal. It should align with your values, passions, and long-term vision for your life. Ask yourself why you want to achieve this. Does the thought of the outcome make you feel energized and hopeful? For example, starting your own business is a scary prospect. It involves financial risk and immense uncertainty. However, the excitement of building something of your own, serving customers, and controlling your destiny can far outweigh those fears. This passion is what keeps entrepreneurs working late nights and overcoming setbacks.
How to Find Your Excitement
To find this excitement, you must be honest with yourself. Do not set goals based on what others expect of you. Set them based on what truly inspires you. Visualize the success of your goal. Imagine how you will feel once you have achieved it. What will your life look like? This visualization can amplify your excitement. Studies show that people who vividly describe or write down their goals are significantly more likely to succeed. The excitement you feel is the engine. The fear is just the challenging terrain you’re navigating. You need a powerful engine to climb steep hills.
Striking the Perfect Balance
Finding the right goal is about hitting the sweet spot between fear and excitement. It’s a delicate equilibrium. Too much fear with too little excitement leads to paralysis. The goal feels so overwhelming that you never even start. Conversely, a lot of excitement for a goal with no element of fear might mean it’s not ambitious enough. You will achieve it easily but may not experience significant personal growth.
Here’s a practical way to assess your goals using this principle:
- Rate the Fear (1-10): How much does this goal challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone? A score of 1-3 means it’s too easy. A score of 9-10 might be paralyzing. Aim for a healthy 4-7.
- Rate the Excitement (1-10): How passionate are you about the outcome? How much does it align with your values? A score below 8 is a red flag. You need a high level of excitement to sustain your effort.
The ideal goal has a moderate fear score and a very high excitement score. This is the formula for a goal that stretches you, motivates you, and ultimately, transforms you.
In summary, this anonymous quote offers timeless wisdom. It provides a simple yet profound filter for our ambitions. By choosing goals that scare us a little and excite us a lot, we set ourselves up for a journey of meaningful growth. So, take a look at your own goals. Do they pass the test? If not, perhaps it’s time to dream a little bigger and aim a little higher.