Gigantic/Crazy/Unique goals are the Easiest Goals

This seems counter-intuitive but there is evidence to show that large goals are actually more achievable than more reasonable/relatable/easy goals. Tim Ferriss puts it like this…

“It’s lonely at the top. Ninety-nine percent of people in the world are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for mediocre. The level of competition is thus fiercest for ‘realistic’ goals, paradoxically making them the most time- and energy-consuming … The fishing is best where the fewest go, and the collective insecurity of the world makes it easy for people to hit home runs while everyone else is aiming for base hits. There is just less competition for bigger goals … Unreasonable and unrealistic goals are easier to achieve for yet another reason. Having an unusually large goal is an adrenaline infusion that provides the endurance to overcome the inevitable trials and tribulations that go alone with any goal. Realistic goals, restricted to the average ambition level, are uninspiring and will only fuel you through the first or second problem, at which point you throw in the towel.”

Lets examine this quote with both a basketball and life perspective. If you are practicing to be good enough to make the team that can be hard. If you want to be a good enough shooter to get some playing time or hustle just enough… well thats really hard. It’s challenging because there can be 50-100 players sometimes trying out for one team. Some will be so really tall, crazy athletic, related to the coach, or super talented and are automatically going to be chosen. That leaves maybe 7 spots for players who are practicing so they can be just good enough to make the team. Then with only a few tryouts or games it becomes just kind of luck to see who the coaches will select. But if you instead decide you will be the best shooter or you will hustle the most than this becomes easy. These things will stand out to a coach. You won’t have to decide how hard to practice or how many shots to take. You will study the top athletes and mimic what they do, so your peers habits won’t matter or provide the same peer pressure. Aiming to be elite will also motivate you far more than being average. It’s exciting to have a huge goal because grand accomplishments make an unforgettable impact. Average goals just have you blend in.

Lets look at life as well. If you want an average job you can apply on online where literally 1,000’s of other people will apply for the same job. If you want to be the best in the world at something you have very little competition because others are afraid to complete at that level. So you will be forced to think uniquely and know that the hard work is not only important but essential.

So put the small goals away… Theres less competition and more excitement with the large goals. Whats your big goal? Whats 1 step you can do today to get there? Let’s goooo