Closing the 18-Inch Gap Podcast-EP37: How Playing TOO Big Will Hurt Your Chances To Succeed!

Closing The 18 Inch Gap Podcast

People often aim big with their dreams, too big if you ask me, sometimes leading to failure, instead of making steady, achievable progress. Today I’m looking at 12 reasons this may be the case with each reason reflecting either and internal or external pressure, mindset, and/or a belief that pushes people toward this "go big or go home" approach, along with the potential drawbacks of each. Instead I want to encourage you to play small to win big.

Quote of the week:

“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” – Tanzanian proverb

Points covered:

1. Desire for Recognition

· Many people crave the admiration that comes from big achievements, as they’re often celebrated more publicly.

2. Romanticizing Success

· Many people idealize the notion of success, associating it with an all-encompassing life transformation.

3. All-or-Nothing Mentality

· An all-or-nothing mindset implies that anything less than the big dream isn’t worth pursuing, which can be very limiting.

4. Overconfidence in Abilities

· Some people overestimate their current skills and resources, assuming they’re ready for a monumental goal.

5. Misunderstanding of Progress

· People often underestimate how small efforts compound over time, thinking only big actions yield results.

6. Misjudging the Effort Required

· People sometimes underestimate the resources and dedication needed to achieve big dreams.

7. Inspiration from Success Stories

· People are often inspired by stories of successful individuals who achieved greatness.

8. Desire for Legacy

· Leaving a legacy can be a powerful motivator, pushing people to think they need to achieve something monumental.

9. Difficulty in Breaking Down Goals

· Breaking down a large goal into smaller, actionable steps can be challenging, leading people to pursue the goal all at once.

10. Impatience with Progress

· Many people become impatient when they don’t see rapid progress, leading them to abandon small, steady goals.

11. Over-Reliance on Motivation

· Relying too heavily on motivation alone can be problematic, as motivation is often short-lived.

12. Desire for a Fresh Start

· The idea of a complete life transformation can drive people to set ambitious goals.

In each of these cases, the allure of a big dream often overshadows the value of making steady, achievable progress. While it’s natural to aim high, combining ambition with realistic goal setting, patience, and appreciation for small wins is often the most effective way to build success and fulfillment over time.

Did anything resonate with you? Do you want to explore deeper how I can help you with this topic? If so, simply send me an email to [e-mail] and let me know what your question is and how we can connect. I always offer a free coaching session where we can explore how I can help you and you can see coaching action for yourself.