Ambition drives progress. But if you’re not careful, it can also derail it.
I’ve learned this through experience. Big goals sound impressive, but they can slow you down if there’s no structure behind them.
Here’s what stood out to me over the years:
1. Huge goals without clear steps cause confusion
People feel inspired at first, but quickly lose direction if they can’t see how to make real progress.
2. Chasing perfection kills progress
When something feels out of reach, teams hesitate. They wait for the perfect strategy instead of taking the first step.
3. Too many targets = no clear focus
Overambitious plans often lead to misalignment. Everyone pulls in different directions, and collaboration suffers.
Here’s what changed for me. I still think big, but I break it down. I now set stretch goals that push us forward while keeping the team grounded. Progress becomes clearer. Motivation builds with each small win. And momentum carries us through.
Ambition isn’t the problem. Poor structure is. Keep the vision bold, but the steps simple and achievable.
What’s worked for you? Have you ever had to rein in a goal to make it work? – Ali Aydan
Ali Aydan: Why Chasing Massive Goals Can Backfire
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