Do you “Dream Big”? The kind of dreams like being CEO one day, climbing Mount Everest, ending world hunger, or curing cancer?
When you set goals for yourself in your professional life – do you to aim to shatter records or achieve things that seem crazy to others? As a manager in the workplace, I encourage my team to set goals that make them a little uncomfortable. What’s the point of a goal you KNOW you can reach?
On Better With Veggies, I hope you have seen that same sense of challenge. What’s the point of setting goals you know you can achieve? Setting the bar higher stretches you to reach heights that seem a little crazy.
In either your work or play, BIG goals can inspire you to accomplish GREAT things!
What does a BIG goal look like?
Big goals vary based on your situation.
- Run a 5K
- Ski a black diamond run
- Race an Olympic triathlon
- Run an ultra marathon
- Complete an Ironman triathlon
These can all be BIG goals for different people.
For someone who hasn’t exercised in years, the thought of registering for a 5K race is often intimidating! Paying that registration fee is a big step and it motivates you to action, putting in the time to improve your running over several months. It’s not easy, it could be painful, and you want to prove to yourself that you CAN do it!
That’s a BIG goal.
For a triathlete that has done a few “short” distance triathlons, taking the leap to an Ironman (or even a half Ironman) is HUGE leap! But scary, audacious goals are what lead to breakthroughs. These kind of goals help you learn more about yourself and how strong you are!
Fear Can Be Helpful!
Many people see fear as bad, but it can be a powerful motivator. When I’m busy, stressed, and have other things I could be doing, the fear of Ironman keeps me on track. I can’t fake my way through an Ironman, so it helps me stay consistent and motivated to do the work.
When I trained for my first (and second) triathlon, I was a terrible swimmer. I spent time in the pool, got a coach to help me, and recruited Kirk to help me get more comfortable swimming in open water so that I could make it through the race. It was WAY outside of my comfort zone, but achievable with work and dedication!
When is a BIG goal bad?
Jumping into something far over your head isn’t cool. If you haven’t exercised for years, signing up for an Ironman isn’t a BIG goal, it’s a stupid goal. You want it to be challenging, not unsafe! Make it a stretch, not an injury waiting to happen!
Other opinions on BIG Goals?
This topic is part of a synchroblog topic that Alex suggested. Make sure you check out these participants for more thoughts on this topic:
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Questions for you:
- What do you think about BIG goals?
- Any BIG goals on your list right now?
{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }
come do the New Orleans Olympic in april! i think we are going!
lindsay recently posted..Try it out Tuesday: Strength Exercises for Runners
I wish the half and olympic were the same weekend!
I set big goals, but I also set weenie goals. Like on Saturday mornings, I’ll make a to-do list that already has a couple items I’ve done – just so that I get the satisfaction of crossing something off early. ;)
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers recently posted..Spiced WIAW
I like weenie goals too, that’s a great point. Little carrots along the way. :)
I definitely think fear can be a powerful motivator. When I ran a marathon, I was very scared that I couldn’t do it, so I made sure to run each (for the most part) training run. I’m sure that if I wasn’t scared, I would have blown off more (like I am doing for this 10K in 2 weeks).
Lee recently posted..Meal Planning Advice (needed not given)
We think the same way about big races – sometimes we need that extra fear motivations. :)
LOVE IT! Running my marathon was my big crazy goal and now I am off to prep for Marathon 2 and my first Sprint Tri. If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you!
Krysten Siba Bishop (@darwinianfail) recently posted..#WIAW – A Long Weekend and a Valentine
I think you have the BIG goal situation covered – you always inspire me! :)
Love this!! My big goal was a 5k and then a 10k last year but this year, I’m working towards my first 1/2 marathon and a race (varying distances) every month of the year. It’s not going to be easy for me but it’s going to keep me motivated and interested in my running.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted..Coconut Veggie Sliders
That is AWESOME!! I love the progression too, so that it never seems over the top! If you decide you need help, I know a good coach. ;)
Great post, Heather! Big running goals have given me the confidence and courage to go after some big life goals as well. I definitely do well with a little fear, too!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Apple Raisin Oat Muffins
There’s such crossover between sports and life – you can learn so much from both for the other. :)
Hi Heather! I just stumbled over here from the Blend Retreat Who’s Comin’ page, and I love this post. :) My BIG goal right now is to finish my first ever half marathon. I’ve trained, and the race is now looming on the horizon (It’s this Sunday… aaaahhhh!). So I’m super nervous and kind of fearful, but I think that I’m motivated by the feeling of accomplishment I know I’ll have at the finish line. :)
Welcome – and so happy you found me! Are you going to Blend too?!
How did your race go? It’s such an amazing feeling crossing the finish line at a new race distance!
My boss often say the fear is te greatest motivator. He’s so right! Nothing will make ou keep to a training and nutrition plan like having to get on stage in a bikini and stripper heels! Haha!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..My Figure Delay + WIAW
Sounds like a smart boss. :) I think I’d have nightmares about walking around stage in the little outfits you do – but you make it look so easy!
I actually ran a marathon before I ran an official half-marathon :) But now after many many sprints and a few Olympic distance triathlons, I am set to tackle my first half ironman in June! I also have some big travel goals set!
Lizzie recently posted..Why don’t doctors ask about your diet?
Wow – now that’s guts to jump straight to the marathon. Something tells me you’re going to do great at the half ironman distance with that determination!
What travel goals are you eyeing this year?
Thanks for the vote of confidence, I’m really excited for the half Ironman!
As far as travel, I’m going to Iceland in March, which was on my travel bucket list, and if my friend takes a job she’s been offered in Kenya then I will try to take a few weeks or month to visit her and explore eastern Africa, which might include climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro if the timing works out!
Lizzie recently posted..Do endurance sports attract nerds?
I think having a big goal or a life dream to set your sights on can be really inspiring. My big goal definitely falls into the long term category. Someday I want to hike the entire Continental Divide Trail, but it’s going to have to wait until retirement or until John and I figure out how to get 6 months off from work!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..….And Then I Fell In Love
I LOVE that goal. We actually drove by part of the trail on Sunday (I think) and I thought of you!
One of my dream big goals has been to study to become a health coach. And I’m almost there!!! Graduation is March 1st. I’m so proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone to pursue this goal. I didn’t think it would be in the cards for me, since I already have a full time career. But the support and my motivation to do this have been thrilling. :)
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..KISS: Baked Mahi Mahi
That’s an awesome goal – sounds so interesting too. And you’re almost to graduation! Will you continue both your current career and health coaching?
For now, yes! And we’ll see what happens from there . . . . :)
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..Roasted Beets with Wasabi Dipping Sauce
My big goal for this year is the Denver Rock n’ Roll half in October. I have a few shorter distances planned and I can’t wait!
Kim @ Wonderings recently posted..Monday Suds: Black Bottle Brewing
I didn’t know you were doing that race this year – so awesome!! I plan on doing it again (or the marathon) too!
Big Athletic Goal: qualifying for Kona
Big Personal Goal: get cookbook published
Big Professional Goal: 2 contracts per month
Jason@ Cook Train Eat Race recently posted..Healthy Diet Tips Guest Post
Those are 3 BIG goals – love them all!
I finally signed up for my first race in April! However, I’m already running 10Ks on the regular, so I don’t know if it is a BIG goal.
The takeaway from this I really love is this whole idea of fear. I am afraid of so many plans and changes and thoughts I have right now–most of which are still in the works and a bit too secret to share in this comment box–but fear needs to be looked at as something motivational. If we aren’t scared, we aren’t taking a risk…and nothing can change for the better if we don’t risk what we’ve got. [Of course, it might change for the worse, but at least you'll know.]
Well, that was a ramble.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..A Delightfully Delectable #WIAW
You always have the most insightful comments, did you know that? I do think you could aim higher with your running if that’s fun for you (you have more natural talent than you know!), but that doesn’t mean you have to. I want to hear about your super-secret goals now. :)
great post sweetie! I’ve been thinking of a lot of goals I have for myself lately… so I really LOVED this post
Meg recently posted..WIAW: Inspired
Thanks Meg! I need to catch up on your awesome goals!
A BIG goal for me is to do a sprint triathlon sometime! If I do… will you help me?? ;)
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..WIAW: My Kitchen with Miss Smart
Yea and YES!! I’d love to help you train for your first, that’s one of my favorite kinds of training plans to write. :) When is your race. We need to talk!
Loved this post Heather!! My big scary goal right now is to run 30 miles on my 30th birthday (in April!) I. Am. Scared. But I figure, what kind of life is it to live if you’re always doing things that make you comfortable? If I don’t get all the way to 30 miles, oh well! At least I gave it a shot :) (and I’ll still eat cake no matter what!)
Nicole @ Curly Mommy recently posted..February Fitness Check in- part deux
That is AWESOME! What’s the longest you’ve run so far?
I’ve done a few 20 milers the past few months, so I feel like my base for going all the way to 30 is doable (I’m also right in the thick of marathon training)… As long as I don’t get too BORED running for 5 hours :) Now THAT will be the hard part!
Nicole @ Curly Mommy recently posted..I’m not a great runner, and that’s okay
I listened to an audiobook for part of my 50K and that helped a lot. Plus chatting with other competitors. :)
Yessss, you’ve turned me on to audio books and all I have to say is you are a savior!!!
Nicole @ Curly Mommy recently posted..I’m not a great runner, and that’s okay
Great post Heather!! I’ve never been a small goal setter, and even when I accomplish something, I’m always looking ahead to the next challenge. It’s so much more rewarding to have to really work for something!
Ari @ Ari’s Menu recently posted..Taco Mac & Cheese {like DIY Hamburger Helper}
I love this post! For me doing a 10K would be really awesome. I am trying to do one this summer so I am starting to train now.
Alaine @ My GF DF Living recently posted..Gluten-free Green Bay
Me too!! Although sometimes jumping right into that next thing means you don’t enjoy your victory as much as you could. It’s finding that right balance that’s important. :)
we think having BIG goals is a good thing to have, means you are always working towards to something BIG :)
purelytwins recently posted..we got nothing
My thoughts exactly!
I’m “big” on setting goals (no pun intended!) and always have a long list of them. As far as a really BIG goal- mine right now is just to move across the country. I know it sounds cliche and cheesy- but I am a firm believer that you can achieve ANYTHING you set out to do- and you are also the biggest obstacle standing in your own way. To get all “Oprah” here- put it out in the universe and work on it every single day- take one small step (or big step) towards making IT happen. :)
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning recently posted..Counting To 33
That’s my favorite goal, because then I get to hang out with you more often! And cheesy or not, I agree with your outlook. If you look at my coaching page, that’s actually part of our coaching philosophy – you can achieve the IMPOSSIBLE! :)
Figure-competing is still my big goal on the horizon! And haha, I’ve been exercising for years, and running a 5k still scares the crud out of me. Good advice and inspiration here!
Allie recently posted..Fun for Adults
Figure competing shares the pookie out of me – I think that’s a great BIG goal! :)
A little fear of a test or performance can be a great motivator for me, it’s gotten me to the rink many times! I have to agree that the big goals are very valuable. I just finished a big goal of skating at the Adult Sectionals competition, but Adult Nationals was the original goal and I still hope to do that in a future year. I also want to pass a footwork test, Adult Gold, and am planning on doing that in the next few months, I’ve been working on the footwork for that test almost three years!
Mary@FitandFed recently posted..My skate at Pacific Coast Adult Sectionals
Wow – three years of work for one test – that is definitely a BIG goal! Good luck with your goal of the Adult Nationals too. :)
Thanks! That test is certainly not all I’ve been working on in skating, I have lots of other skating projects, too. But yeah, big skill jump between that test and the previous one.
Mary@FitandFed recently posted..Coconut Chia Pudding