What do you think about the above statement? Should we aim for the moon? Many people have set very muted goals for themselves in an attempt to avoid disappointment. This is an understandable (usually unconscious) strategy and defense mechanism.
To aim is defined as “1. to position or direct (a firearm, ball, arrow, rocket, etc.) sothat, on firing or release, the discharged projectile will hit a target or travel along a certain path. 2. to intend or direct for a particular effect or purpose: to aim a satire at snobbery. verb (used without object) 3. to point or direct a gun, punch, etc., toward: He aimed at the target but missed it. 4. to strive; try (usually followed by to or at): We aim to please. They aim at saving something everymonth. 5. to intend:”. Synonyms include objective, object, goal, end, target,design, desire, desired result,intention, intent, plan, purpose, object of the exercise.
So how do we aim for the moon? Perhaps, re-evaluating one’s belief system can help. Is it ok to set one’s goals high and not meet those goals? Is it more about the goal or should the emphasis be on the process in which we pursue our goals? It’s possible that other achievements may be accomplished while attempting to accomplish a given goal. Also, it may be helpful to evaluate the importance of the goal prior to pursuing it. If a goal is all encompassing and one wraps up their entire identity in achieving it, then of course failure to achieve this goal will be problematic. Ask yourself these questions 1. Will I be ok if I am unable to achieve my goal? 2. What are some advantages to the process in which I pursue my goal? 3. Is my perspective about my goal healthy? The ability to answer these questions in a well adjusted manner may be the key to your willingness to take the risk and reach for the moon.
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