The Problem: Aiming Low And Hitting

24 replies
I have been thinking about this a lot and I realize how true it rings for me, and others I've spoken to about this.

We are action takers. We do take steps to move forward.

The issue here is then that many of us, are satisfy too early.

The reason why many don't "fully" engaged in IM because they are satisfy with their job now (add on security and so forth).

Even those who lose weight (myself included), can become satisfy of losing a lot of weight but then gain it back because they "hit" their goal and know they can do it.

There must be a hunger. A sense of urgency that this is not enough (at the same time realizing it is enough..I know hard to do) and go for more.

To not be satisfy to get to first base.

Or lose just 10 pounds.

Or making 100 dollars a day.

As Les Brown says it best (he makes me smile)...

"People don't fail because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit"

I love that!

Let's aim HIGH and HIT!

And as a mentor, a Rabbi of mine once said "It is never too little. It is never too late. And it is never enough."

Enjoy the video:

#aiming #hitting #low #problem
  • Profile picture of the author Chulbul Pandey
    Amazing article man.. I always say to my friends who think i am a fool trying to make 500$ a day on internet, i always tell them if i aim for the stars i will definetly reach moon.

    Great article would u mind if i post it into my forum or you can do it by yourself. the link is in the sig.

    thnx
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    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      Originally Posted by Chulbul Pandey View Post

      Amazing article man.. I always say to my friends who think i am a fool trying to make 500$ a day on internet, i always tell them if i aim for the stars i will definetly reach moon.

      Great article would u mind if i post it into my forum or you can do it by yourself. the link is in the sig.

      thnx
      You welcome and keep aiming high dude. And of course, know where you are aiming to right?

      And ya, I once heard from Josh Shipp (a Teen Motivational Speaker), "aim for the moon, for if you miss, at least you will end up on your butt". And I like that better, because it is about failing, and it means that you will still be alive and well, even after one fail...

      And cool forum BTW. I see you must register to see what it is about.

      And yes, you can use it and I appreciate you value it. You can just use my name if you want.
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  • Profile picture of the author stopper
    aim high alright this reminds me of the story of the owl and the rabbit one day the rabbit saw the owl up high on the tree doing nothing. So the rabbit also decided to sit in a clearing and did nothing. A few moments later a fox came from behind the bush and ate the rabbit. Those that are low cant afford to do nothing. Aim high then you sit and do 0
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  • Profile picture of the author Ephrils
    I totally agree with this. I wrote a post about it at a motivation site I just opened:
    Aim High | The Broken Compass | Create Your Reality

    I had a goal and I thought I was aiming high. Then I got said goal and realized I actually aimed low. TOO low.

    There is nothing wrong with setting crazy goal. You need to have them because you just might get them too.
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    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      Originally Posted by stopper View Post

      aim high alright this reminds me of the story of the owl and the rabbit one day the rabbit saw the owl up high on the tree doing nothing. So the rabbit also decided to sit in a clearing and did nothing. A few moments later a fox came from behind the bush and ate the rabbit. Those that are low cant afford to do nothing. Aim high then you sit and do 0
      What a great story eh? Love it!

      Those who are aiming low, well, they feel secure and they can be overcome very easily. Think athletes who can go a bit further but hold back a bit because they want to break their own record and then come this dude and totally blast them out...all because they held back and aimed low.

      And with that, I will see you up on the trees

      Originally Posted by Ephrils View Post

      I totally agree with this. I wrote a post about it at a motivation site I just opened:
      Aim High | The Broken Compass | Create Your Reality

      I had a goal and I thought I was aiming high. Then I got said goal and realized I actually aimed low. TOO low.

      There is nothing wrong with setting crazy goal. You need to have them because you just might get them too.
      Good post!

      And I agree, even if one does aim low, he needs to make sure he/she can set another goal that is higher and purposeful. I think people stop aiming once they hit a goal mark but the purpose of the aim high is to keep working and keep reaching.
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      • Profile picture of the author Ephrils
        Originally Posted by roynaim View Post

        Good post!

        And I agree, even if one does aim low, he needs to make sure he/she can set another goal that is higher and purposeful. I think people stop aiming once they hit a goal mark but the purpose of the aim high is to keep working and keep reaching.
        There is also the belief that because you hit that target, the next step will be easy, so they get lax.

        This isn't always the case.

        If you want something though, pick a goal as high and crazy as you dare. I already fall into the "Aim high and miss" category HAD I chose where I actually landed as an end point. I didn't and I'm not satisfied with it.

        I know where I landed was an inevitable event for what I really wanted. I know some who consider the "low" point amazing and a "dream" of theirs. I keep trying to tell them they're aiming too low.
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        • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
          Originally Posted by Ephrils View Post

          There is also the belief that because you hit that target, the next step will be easy, so they get lax.

          This isn't always the case.

          If you want something though, pick a goal as high and crazy as you dare. I already fall into the "Aim high and miss" category HAD I chose where I actually landed as an end point. I didn't and I'm not satisfied with it.

          I know where I landed was an inevitable event for what I really wanted. I know some who consider the "low" point amazing and a "dream" of theirs. I keep trying to tell them they're aiming too low.
          Right on friend!

          I have found, as well, that sometime we "hit" and then we say, eh, that wasn't too challenging so I can move on, and yet we totally miss the "full" potential.

          For example:

          I was 360lbs. I then became 210lbs. Bravo.

          Awesome. Me a champion!

          And then I went back up....and got fat again.

          One day this guy came over to me, sincerely, and said "I get it. You found it too easy to do. You reached the goal and you said 'was this it?'. You now know you can do it and there's no challenge in the goal. In that case, aim higher and make it more challenging".

          And so I am.
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          • Profile picture of the author The Great Gordino
            wow.

            The Problem: Aiming Low And Hitting.

            That is one of the most succinct and powerful phrases I have seen.
            I would say self esteem is one of the root causes of this, and that comes from shockingly bad education.

            Self education as an adult is not difficult, but the difficulty comes in not being educated enough to know that you can self educate!

            Thanks for posting that phrase, it really had me nodding my head!
            Gordon
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            • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
              Originally Posted by The Great Gordino View Post

              wow.

              The Problem: Aiming Low And Hitting.

              That is one of the most succinct and powerful phrases I have seen.
              I would say self esteem is one of the root causes of this, and that comes from shockingly bad education.

              Self education as an adult is not difficult, but the difficulty comes in not being educated enough to know that you can self educate!

              Thanks for posting that phrase, it really had me nodding my head!
              Gordon
              Thanks Gordon for your insight and I am glad it resonated with you.

              And yes, it comes from our influences of the past. We are taught is crazy or that is not going to happen...so we keep aiming lower to gain the confident of our "support" people.

              But all that can change. In a moment. In a decision.
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  • Profile picture of the author Alfredo Carrion
    I totally agree! Many people are ok with hitting low goals but we should be hitting high - not for mediocre-ness.
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  • Profile picture of the author horusgrings
    Im aiming hight but im not hiting it! lol!
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    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      Originally Posted by horusgrings View Post

      Im aiming hight but im not hiting it! lol!
      I am glad you are aiming high and higher and I do hope you have a plan, a direction to go in.

      You see, that is the other "part".

      To aim HIGH and to aim accurately.

      BIG GOALS. YES.

      Mini goals within those goals, a plan of action, a direction, also important.

      It is like you are traveling from NY to California by car. Big drive. Long drive.

      But you know OK, the sign says I am leaving NY, one step closer to California. OK. I reached Ohio, wow, I am getting there.

      Arizona...not too far off now.

      Vegas, I like this city and boy, we are almost there.

      And then California. You reached it, you reached the BIG goals, and you also knew the steps required, the mini goals within the BIG goal.

      BTW, I don't know the driving direction to California so if you do follow my direction, I take no responsibility if you get abducted by aliens

      And like they say, the best time for a map is before you enter the forest.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ephrils
    Even a baby step forward is progress.
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    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      GIANT STEPS.

      We ain't no babies!

      Awaken the GIANT Within.

      UNLIMITED Power.

      So on and so forth.

      It is all there. No need for baby steps.

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      • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
        I wrote a new post last night and it just hit me how this and the new one connects.

        You see, the problem is aiming low and hitting...

        So what is aiming high?

        One thing is for sure, aiming HIGH must include contribution to society. Something worth remembering. Something to put down in the history book. Something that will get you HIGH for aiming HIGH.

        And I surely do hope and wish you all HIT HIGH. and I include myself in this blessing.

        Here is a man, who did wonderful thing, but yet, we don't know much about because he lacked contribution:

        http://www.warriorforum.com/mind-war...k-nahunte.html

        Enjoy!
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  • Profile picture of the author Q136
    Ok we all get the Aim high and reach your goals thing.
    1. What happens when you do?
    2. Where do you go from there?
    All to many times we are not prepared to take the next step when we do "hit the mark". Most of us are so surprised to be at such a high spot, that we totally lose sight of the next set of goals. Make the wrong turn at this level and you just lost a huge chunk of your traffic. Or even worse, get Satisfied with the "Mark" you hit and then the drive to succeed starts to turn into the drive to relax.

    So the whole Aim high and set big goals is a good thing, as long as we know that we still have to work even harder to succeed once we get to the place we aimed for! This is the whole reason we set these goals in the first place, because we had the drive to succeed IN the first place. Hard work is the fuel for the rocket ship that is taking you to the stars.
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    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      Originally Posted by Q136 View Post

      Ok we all get the Aim high and reach your goals thing.
      1. What happens when you do?
      2. Where do you go from there?
      All to many times we are not prepared to take the next step when we do "hit the mark". Most of us are so surprised to be at such a high spot, that we totally lose sight of the next set of goals. Make the wrong turn at this level and you just lost a huge chunk of your traffic. Or even worse, get Satisfied with the "Mark" you hit and then the drive to succeed starts to turn into the drive to relax.

      So the whole Aim high and set big goals is a good thing, as long as we know that we still have to work even harder to succeed once we get to the place we aimed for! This is the whole reason we set these goals in the first place, because we had the drive to succeed IN the first place. Hard work is the fuel for the rocket ship that is taking you to the stars.
      You are right, we are on a road then hit our marks, and then aim higher. To thrive for more. To do more. To leave our marks. To have something we will be remembered for. To leave a legacy unlike this man I wrote about in this post: http://www.warriorforum.com/mind-war...k-nahunte.html

      And yes, as we aim HIGHER and start hitting those goals, we also must not get satisfied and we must also recognize how far we got and it is GREAT that we got there.

      As I mentioned before, I lost 150lbs...but then I got scared. I was getting compliments. People were looking at me. Awesome and all...but I was not used to it. It was too much for me...so I went back a little before I caught myself again.

      In addition, I didn't aim HIGHER. I stopped and I said "OK. I know I can do...so chocolate cake anyone?"...I lost focus and I fell backward. I didn't feel the challenge.

      We are always going to add goals, and we will hit them often as well .
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  • Profile picture of the author SeekingNothing
    I tend to think about this in a different way:

    You want your goals to stretch your capabilities somewhat. They're more motivating, cause you to bring more of your resources to the table, and help you build long term.

    The sweet spot you want is when you're uncomfortable, but know you can handle the discomfort. Overwhelm is counterproductive but easily dealt with.

    If your goals overwhelm you, break them down into microgoals. Even identifying the next physical action can help greatly if you know you can do it. Eventually you'll be able to build yourself up to where you can handle most anything.

    After you accomplish a goal, the trick is to ask yourself, "Is this enough in this area?" If it is, then you let go of that area and move on. If not, you set a new stretch goal.

    An example: Wile E Coyote wants some delicious dinner, but every time he's attempted to get it he's been met with failure, defeat, and frustration. Not to mention hunger. So Wile, decides his new goal will be think on what he knows he can do about catching some delicious road runner.

    He knows he can find the road runner. He knows he can get close to the road runner, but not quite catch it. And he strongly suspects his suppliers at ACME have been taking advantage of his trusting nature.

    So Wile decides to opt for a new approach: He goes to the store and picks up a rifle and some bullets. Being a coyote, he doesn't have the proper registration to get a gun in his state. Luckily, Wile knows a few "gun enthusiasts" and gives them $500 in cash for a rifle, a box of bullets, and some shooting lessons.

    Next time Wile went to hunt his speedy prey, he was armed with a more effective tool for the job and was able to easily catch up to his unmoving, very dead, dinner.

    What did he do? Mixed setting stretch goals with creative problem solving to become a success. Sure, he had to go through some austerity to get there, but read any biography of a "success." Pretty much all of them had to do something of the sort.
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    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      Originally Posted by SeekingNothing View Post

      I tend to think about this in a different way:

      You want your goals to stretch your capabilities somewhat. They're more motivating, cause you to bring more of your resources to the table, and help you build long term.

      The sweet spot you want is when you're uncomfortable, but know you can handle the discomfort. Overwhelm is counterproductive but easily dealt with.

      If your goals overwhelm you, break them down into microgoals. Even identifying the next physical action can help greatly if you know you can do it. Eventually you'll be able to build yourself up to where you can handle most anything.

      After you accomplish a goal, the trick is to ask yourself, "Is this enough in this area?" If it is, then you let go of that area and move on. If not, you set a new stretch goal.

      An example: Wile E Coyote wants some delicious dinner, but every time he's attempted to get it he's been met with failure, defeat, and frustration. Not to mention hunger. So Wile, decides his new goal will be think on what he knows he can do about catching some delicious road runner.

      He knows he can find the road runner. He knows he can get close to the road runner, but not quite catch it. And he strongly suspects his suppliers at ACME have been taking advantage of his trusting nature.

      So Wile decides to opt for a new approach: He goes to the store and picks up a rifle and some bullets. Being a coyote, he doesn't have the proper registration to get a gun in his state. Luckily, Wile knows a few "gun enthusiasts" and gives them $500 in cash for a rifle, a box of bullets, and some shooting lessons.

      Next time Wile went to hunt his speedy prey, he was armed with a more effective tool for the job and was able to easily catch up to his unmoving, very dead, dinner.

      What did he do? Mixed setting stretch goals with creative problem solving to become a success. Sure, he had to go through some austerity to get there, but read any biography of a "success." Pretty much all of them had to do something of the sort.
      I think I found a new best friend!!!

      Anyone who can make a metaphor from cartoon or anything we all can relate too, I respect.

      In my work with youth, those who are Harry Potter fans specifically, we hit it off because I can relate to them in a new way that many don't.

      That said, you are totally right. Mix it up. Do different. Aim higher. And keep reaching.

      The sweet spot is what we want and it should always be changing .

      Awesome!
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  • Profile picture of the author Joshua526
    That is something huh!
    Well, aim for the stars and you might hit the moon.
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    • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
      Originally Posted by Joshua526 View Post

      That is something huh!
      Well, aim for the stars and you might hit the moon.
      I think the quote is the other way....

      Aim for the moon for if you miss, you will land among the stars.

      BUT...I don't know if you want to land among the stars...it is hot there and you will burn and die

      Not my joke...motivational speaker Josh Shipp said it and worth the watch:

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  • Profile picture of the author Coach Louisa
    Good reminder. If only we take the "goal" as another milestone that the journey is not really over yet right? It's just a step closer to where we really want to be --> heading for the moon (or is it the stars?)

    But it is true that many set the goal low - so they can succeed when they reach the goal. This is actually pulling us down and making us smaller and not allowing us to be who we really can be. Inherent fear prevents us from making bigger, higher goals?

    Here's a post I did quite some time ago, I am reminded to dream big and work hard.
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    • Profile picture of the author The Great Gordino
      Originally Posted by Coach Louisa View Post

      But it is true that many set the goal low - so they can succeed when they reach the goal. This is actually pulling us down and making us smaller and not allowing us to be who we really can be. Inherent fear prevents us from making bigger, higher goals?
      That's an interesting angle - that people set low goals so they can guarantee success.
      I look at it from a different angle - people set low goals, because they don't have enough self belief/esteem to aim higher. They may not even think they can succeed at the low goals!

      Also most of these low goals have been set unconsciously - when I try to explain to people that they have been using achievement theory to do the simplest of tasks, they suddenly start overthinking, putting the idea of 'achievement' as too high for them!
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      • Profile picture of the author Roy Naim
        Originally Posted by Coach Louisa View Post

        Good reminder. If only we take the "goal" as another milestone that the journey is not really over yet right? It's just a step closer to where we really want to be --> heading for the moon (or is it the stars?)

        But it is true that many set the goal low - so they can succeed when they reach the goal. This is actually pulling us down and making us smaller and not allowing us to be who we really can be. Inherent fear prevents us from making bigger, higher goals?

        Here's a post I did quite some time ago, I am reminded to dream big and work hard.
        That was a great post Coach and very interesting angle as my friend said below you.

        People want to know they can achieve, so they do things that the know they can do.

        People don't like feeling like fools...but the question to ask them...are you really a fool because you aim high and thrive to get it?


        Originally Posted by The Great Gordino View Post

        That's an interesting angle - that people set low goals so they can guarantee success.
        I look at it from a different angle - people set low goals, because they don't have enough self belief/esteem to aim higher. They may not even think they can succeed at the low goals!

        Also most of these low goals have been set unconsciously - when I try to explain to people that they have been using achievement theory to do the simplest of tasks, they suddenly start overthinking, putting the idea of 'achievement' as too high for them!
        Another great angle as well!

        Yes, we are indeed powerful are we not? We can truly do things can we not? But how come are we so willing, and easily say they can do it...why not us? We no different.
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