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Is It Okay To Aim Low?

Written by: Laura Posey

Article Overview: This is a question I’ve been asking myself for a long time. Self-help gurus the world over preach the virtues of thinking big, reaching for the stars, aiming high and stretching your limits. But is that always the right thing to do?

Is It Okay To Aim Low?

This is a question I’ve been asking myself for a long time.

Self-help gurus the world over preach the virtues of thinking big, reaching for the stars, aiming high and stretching your limits.

But is that always the right thing to do?

I’ll be the first to admit that I have read most of the self-help-dream-big books out there. I’ve taken courses, gone to retreats and I even have a “Dream Big” sign in my office. I have drunk the Kool-Aid of aiming high.

Recently, though, I’ve come to appreciate the enjoyment that comes from dreaming a little smaller, aiming a little lower and setting completely reachable goals.

If you are in sales or own a business, there is always a push for more, bigger, faster, etc. Many people I know are burned-out, stressed and tired. They used to be achievement-oriented, hard chargers who regularly sought the thrill of big victories. For many of them now, the thought of pushing ever-higher has lost its luster and has become just one more stone on the pile of overwhelm they face.

That’s where setting a smaller goal can be really helpful.

By reaching for a lower bar, you accomplish two things. One you maintain the sense of accomplishment and achievement that you seek but at the same time you give yourself a break and allow yourself to relax and recharge.

For example, I recently set a goal to bring in an extra $20,000 in company revenue. In the grand scheme of things, that isn’t a ton of money. It is nothing like the millionaire ideals that I usually have.

I have sold $20,000 many times before in my life and, when I set the goal, I knew with absolute certainty I could do it again. That gave me a sense of comfort and relaxation that a million-dollar goal just doesn’t have.

To be truthful, the sense of accomplishment that comes from a smaller goal isn’t as strong, but there is still a feeling of pride and satisfaction once the goal is done.

Once you have gotten in the habit of achieving, rested your brain a little and made some small progress towards your larger goals, you’ll find you have a lot more energy for tackling those giant dreams again!

This strategy works great if you are new to goal setting, too. Start small and build your confidence. You’ll soon find yourself aiming higher and higher, knowing with certainty you can have anything you set your sights on.

As the dogs days of summer approach, maybe it’s time to set a little goal for yourself. Take a break, take a vacation and let your mind and body recharge a bit. The big dreams will be there when you get back.

What do you think?

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Article Tags: marketing, motivation, sales, sales tips, small business



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