The more is on stake, the more serious we take our goals. Having a big goal that feels impossible? Raise the stakes so more is at risk…
Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, peering down into the vast expanse below. You have a choice to make: take a cautious step back or leap forward into the unknown. Now, let's think about this in terms of our goals and aspirations. When the stakes are high, when there's more to lose or gain, we tend to approach our objectives with a newfound seriousness and determination.
Think about it like this: imagine you're playing a game of cards. If you're playing for pennies, you might not be as invested in the outcome as you would be if you were playing for your life's savings. The higher the stakes, the more focused and committed you become. It's human nature to respond to the intensity of the situation, to rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.
Consider the story of a tightrope walker. When they're practicing just a few feet above the ground, the risk of falling isn't significant. But when they're performing high above a bustling cityscape, with no safety net below, every step becomes a matter of life and death. In this scenario, the stakes are sky-high, quite literally. The walker's concentration sharpens, their movements become deliberate and calculated. The enormity of the goal demands nothing less than their absolute best.
Now, let's apply this principle to our own lives. Picture a goal that you've been dreaming about for years, something that feels just out of reach. Maybe it's starting your own business, running a marathon, or writing a book. Whatever it is, consider how you've approached it thus far. Have you been treating it like a casual hobby, something you'll get around to eventually? Or have you fully committed yourself, understanding that the greater the risk, the sweeter the reward?
Let's take the example of starting a business. If you're merely dabbling in entrepreneurship, you might not be willing to invest significant time, money, or effort into your venture. But if you put everything on the line—your savings, your reputation, your future livelihood—you'll approach the endeavor with a newfound sense of urgency and determination. Suddenly, failure is not an option. The stakes are too high, and you're willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
It's important to note that raising the stakes doesn't mean being reckless or imprudent. It's about making a conscious decision to fully commit yourself to your goals, understanding that the journey may be fraught with challenges and setbacks. But it's precisely those challenges that make the victory all the sweeter.
Think about the story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare, confident in its speed and agility, takes the race for granted, pausing to rest and relax along the way. Meanwhile, the tortoise, with its unwavering determination and perseverance, keeps plodding along, one step at a time. In the end, it's the tortoise who wins the race, proving that slow and steady progress, coupled with a steadfast commitment to the goal, ultimately leads to success.
So, as you reflect on your own goals and aspirations, ask yourself: Are you truly giving it your all? Are you willing to raise the stakes and fully commit yourself to the journey, knowing that the rewards will be commensurate with the effort you put in? Remember, the more you have on the line, the more serious you'll take your goals, and the closer you'll come to realizing your dreams.
What's one action you can take today to raise the stakes and fully commit yourself to achieving your most ambitious goal?
* To gain more inspiration and motivation for your personal growth journey, I recommend visiting my SMART goals page, which offers a wide range of goal ideas to help you establish new aspirations and achieve greater success in life. This list was crucial in the development of my own life goals list, consisting of 100 goals that I pursued for ten years.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
