Hello Felix,

Why Stretch Goals Are Worth Pursuing
For many high achievers, the road to success involves staying challenged. When your goals become too comfortable, you risk slipping into autopilot mode—getting things done, but not truly expanding your capabilities. Stretch goals, on the other hand, act as a catalyst for growth. They spark innovative thinking, sharpen problem-solving skills, and reignite the passion that drives you forward. By continually nudging the boundaries of your comfort zone, you discover not only what you can accomplish but also who you can become in the process.

Identifying Your Next Big Challenge
Often, the first step is simply recognizing whether your current objectives push you hard enough. Think about the project or target you’re working on right now. Does it stir a healthy sense of urgency or excitement? Or does it feel like something you can complete without a second thought? A good stretch goal should provoke a mix of anticipation and a hint of nerves. That spark means you’re stepping into territory that promises real development.

How to Set a Goal That Moves the Needle

• Envision an outcome slightly beyond your current scope. If you’re used to landing five new clients a month, aim for six or seven. If you typically add 10 pages to your manuscript each week, bump that to 12. The key is to choose a target that requires extra effort but is still within the realm of possibility.
  
  
• Break it down into phases. Even the most ambitious goal can be managed when you map it into clear milestones. This approach keeps you focused, preventing overwhelm and giving you a tangible roadmap to follow.
  
  
• Stay anchored in purpose. Challenging objectives are easier to tackle if they connect with a cause you believe in or a deeper personal aspiration. When your motives align with your values, that extra 20% effort feels purposeful rather than punishing.

The Essence: Challenging Objectives Keep You Motivated
When you have a goal that truly tests your abilities, it injects new energy into your daily routine. You’re more inclined to read, research, and look for fresh strategies that can help you surpass the goal. This proactive mindset naturally fuels your professional and personal growth, creating a positive feedback loop: the closer you get to your target, the more confident and capable you feel and the more you’re driven to keep growing.

Action Step
Revisit one of your current goals and reframe it to be 20% more ambitious. Maybe you have a revenue target for the quarter, a fitness benchmark, or a creative project you’re working on. Decide how you can elevate that target just enough to feel both excited and slightly out of your depth. Write down this new goal and any immediate steps you can take this week to move closer to it.

Wishing you bold ambitions and satisfying progress,

Felix Brabander
Founder of SensitiveHighAchievers.com