The true power of goal setting isn't just about reaching the destination—it's about who you become on the journey.
Think about it: when you set a goal that seems impossible but deeply exciting, something magical happens. Even if you don't fully achieve it, the process transforms you. When I first put "Complete an Ironman" on my three-year goal list, I couldn't even run more than six miles. But that ambitious goal pulled me forward, leading me to complete marathons, ultramarathons, and eventually several Ironman competitions.
The best goals share two crucial characteristics: they scare you a little and excite you a lot. This combination creates the perfect tension that drives sustained action, even when challenges arise.
Consider Sebastian Bellin, who was severely injured in the Brussels Airport bombing. While recovering in his hospital bed, he watched the Ironman World Championship in Kona on TV and decided, "I'm going to do that." Despite doctors saying he might never walk again, he completed the race. Or Billy, who lost both legs in a racing accident yet took two hours off the double amputee record at Kona.
These aren't just inspiring stories—they're demonstrations of what happens when someone sets a goal so compelling that it overcomes all excuses. Ryan Stram, who swam the English Channel and completed an Arctic Mile swim in sub-zero temperatures, describes how we become "excuse magnets" when things get difficult. Having a goal that genuinely excites you provides the counterforce needed to overcome this tendency.
The ABC goal framework helps structure this thinking:
- A Goals: Things you know how to do
- B Goals: Things you think you could do
- C Goals: Things you know what you want to do, but not how you'll accomplish them
The "C Goals" are where the magic happens—they require you to grow, learn, and become someone new.
What also matters is creating "Always Rules"—principles that guide your yearly goals. Mine include "always have a family passion holiday," "always have a reason to learn and create," and "always have a health date in the diary." These rules ensure consistent growth across all life areas.
When evaluating potential goals, rate them on the "Scary-Exciting Scale." If a goal rates low on both, it's probably not worth pursuing. If it's high on fear but low on excitement, you'll likely abandon it when things get tough. The sweet spot is moderate fear with high excitement—these goals pull you forward naturally.
Remember: ships are safe in the harbour, but that's not what ships are built for. The most memorable experiences in life often come from stepping outside your comfort zone and pursuing goals that initially seemed impossible.
What goal could you set that would excite and scare you just enough to pull you toward your best self?
