The Case for Setting Realistic Goals (Backed by Research)
(Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2025)
I’ve got some advice that might go against every motivational poster you’ve seen on LinkedIn or every “10X your life” video on YouTube.
Moderate your vision.
I know. That’s not the kind of thing you usually hear. We’re constantly told to dream big, go all in, and shoot for the stars. And while there’s nothing wrong with ambition, there’s a nuance that often gets overlooked:
Sometimes setting the bar too high too soon can paralyze you instead of propel you.
Let me explain.
The Myth of Starting Big
You’ve probably heard of Elon Musk, Oprah, Steve Jobs, or Sara Blakely. These are people whose names are synonymous with big dreams and outsized success.
But here’s what doesn’t get talked about enough:
They didn’t start by trying to change the world.
They started by trying to solve one problem.
They focused on what was right in front of them.
Elon Musk didn’t wake up one day and declare, “I’m going to revolutionize five industries and colonize Mars.” His first venture? Zip2, an online business directory and map service. It wasn’t glamorous—but it was a stepping stone.
Even Sara Blakely, who became the youngest self-made female billionaire, started Spanx by cutting the feet off her pantyhose in her apartment and pitching the product herself. No VC funding. No billion-dollar vision out of the gate.
When Big Goals Get in the Way
Research backs this up:
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that setting overly ambitious goals can backfire, leading to anxiety, avoidance, and even burnout. Why? Because when the goal feels too far out of reach, our brains resist even starting.
You don’t need a 10-year plan to begin.
You don’t need to be the next Elon Musk.
You just need to take the next best step.
A Better Way: Grounded Vision
So, what does it mean to “moderate your vision”?
It doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams. It means anchoring them in reality so they can actually take root and grow.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Define success for yourself
Not everyone needs to be a billionaire. Maybe success for you means running a profitable business with freedom and flexibility. Maybe it’s being a respected leader in your community. Start with your version of a meaningful life. - Break the goal into micro-goals
If your dream is to write a book, don’t focus on the finished product. Focus on writing 200 words today. Small wins create momentum. - Get curious, not obsessed
Follow what interests you and stay open to unexpected pivots. Some of the most successful careers didn’t follow a rigid blueprint—they evolved through experimentation. - Stack progress
Success compounds. That first speaking gig, first client, or first win might seem small, but it’s often the launchpad to something bigger. Don’t discount it. - Create feedback loops
Track your progress, recalibrate when needed, and stay flexible. Being adaptable is often more important than being audacious.
You Might Surprise Yourself
One step at a time doesn’t mean you’re thinking small. It means you’re building something real. And over time, those steps can turn into something bigger than you imagined.
Maybe you don’t need to become the next Elon Musk.
Maybe you just need to start—and let the rest unfold.
Because when you focus on what’s possible today, you’re much more likely to get where you want to go tomorrow.