18. Should You Set an Unattainable Goal or Not?

🎙 Episode 18: Should You Set Unattainable Goals?
Stretching your limits without breaking your spirit.

🔸 We tackle a tricky question: Do “unattainable” goals help you grow—or set you up to fail?🔸 Samar starts firmly against the idea—why aim for what you can’t reach?—then recognizes the upside: stretch goals can pull you past your usual limits (Parkinson’s Law vibes: work expands to the time you give it).🔸 Wafa shares a personal example: setting a bold PhD target (multiple top-tier publications) that’s still in progress. The lesson? Big stretch + long runway + clear process can be energizing—if the purpose is learning and impact, not just a checkbox.🔸 Together, we unpack the risk side: demotivation, public pressure when goals are shared, and the “delusional” trap if you ignore capacity, timeline, and method.🔸 The balance emerges: pair audacious stretch goals with SMART milestones, sustainable pacing, and honest check-ins about why you want the result.

🔸 We also explored:• When stretch goals help (long-horizon growth) vs. hurt (areas where you need quick wins to stay motivated)• Sustainability and time-bound planning: ambitious and healthy• Desire vs. “fake desire”: wanting a result vs. being willing to adopt the process it requires• Why motivation fades (your brain conserves energy) and how systems, partners, and routines beat willpower• Alternating seasons: use attainable goals for momentum, unattainable goals for expansion—one season at a time

💡 Key Takeaways:• Stretch goals can pull you beyond comfort—but only if paired with realistic timelines and sustainable methods.• Don’t anchor your worth to the finish line; measure progress by process and learning.• If excitement fades, rely on structure (plans, accountability, routines) rather than mood.• Use both: attainable goals for momentum, unattainable goals for expansion—one season at a time.

📖 Read the full article: 18. Should You Set Unattainable Goals? — Personal Context is Key | LinkedIn

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