Fear. It’s a powerful force that can either propel us forward or keep us stuck in place. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of success, or even fear of what others might think, it often stands between where we are and where we want to be. But let me tell you something: fear doesn’t have to win. It doesn’t have to define your journey. Instead, we’re going to lean into it and use it to fuel those stretch goals—the big, bold, audacious dreams that are calling your name.
So, let’s dive in, girlfriend. It’s time to set stretch goals that stick and transform fear into your greatest ally.
What Are Stretch Goals?
Stretch goals are the game-changers of personal growth. They’re not the “play it safe” kind of goals; they’re the ones that make your palms sweat and your heart race a little. They’re ambitious, maybe even scary, but they hold the power to elevate your life in ways you can’t even imagine right now. Listen, I have been where you are and being on the brink of moving forward is scary but not impossible.
Think of stretch goals as the ultimate reminder that you’re capable of so much more than you believe. But let’s be real—getting there requires courage, strategy, and a whole lot of intentionality.
Fear: Friend or Foe?
Let’s call fear what it is: a survival mechanism. It’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you. But the thing is, fear doesn’t understand the difference between a life-threatening situation and stepping outside your comfort zone. It just throws up roadblocks to keep you safe.
Here’s the truth: Fear is normal. It’s human. And it doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it just means you’re stretching beyond what’s familiar. That’s growth, and it’s where the magic happens.
How to Set Stretch Goals That Stick
1. Find Your Driving Force
Your “driving force” is the foundation of your stretch goal. So let’s ask the questions: What’s fueling your ambition? What’s the deeper purpose behind this goal? When fear creeps in, your driving force is what will keep you grounded and moving forward.
Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself:
- What will achieving this goal mean for you?
- How will it impact your life, your family, or your community?
Write it down. Make it real. Your driving force isn’t just motivation—it’s your anchor.
2. Make Fear Work for You
Instead of running from fear, get curious about it. Ask yourself:
- What exactly am I afraid of?
- What’s the worst that could happen?
- What’s the best that could happen?
Often, you’ll find that the “worst” isn’t as bad as you thought, and the “best” is worth every ounce of effort. Fear is just energy. Let’s harness that energy and redirect it toward action.
3. Break It Down
Big goals can feel overwhelming, and that’s where fear loves to take over. The solution? Break it into smaller, actionable steps:
- Identify what needs to happen first.
- Create mini-goals with realistic timelines.
- Celebrate your progress along the way.
Every small win builds confidence and momentum, making that big, scary goal feel a little less intimidating.
4. Surround Yourself With the Right People
You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, as human beings we are designed for engagement and contact; relationships. With that being said, surround yourself with people who believe in your vision—mentors, friends, or even a coach. Share your goal with someone who will hold you accountable and remind you of your greatness when fear tries to convince you otherwise.
Pro tip: Be intentional about who you let into your space. Not everyone deserves a front-row seat to your journey.
5. Redefine Failure
Let’s get one thing straight: Failure is not the enemy. It’s a teacher. When you stumble (because you will—it’s part of the process), don’t let it derail you. Instead, ask:
- What did I learn?
- How can I adjust my approach?
Remember what I wrote in my book—it’s either a lesson or a win. The only true failure is not trying at all.
Examples of Stretch Goals
Need inspiration? Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:
- Career: Launch a side hustle or aim for that big promotion.
- Personal Growth: Write a book or learn a new skill.
- Health: Run your first marathon or commit to a wellness routine.
- Financial: Save for your dream vacation or pay off debt.
The key is to choose a goal that excites and challenges you, one that aligns with your vision for your life.
Final Thoughts: Fear is Fuel
Here’s the deal: Fear isn’t going anywhere, but it doesn’t have to control you. When you feel it creeping in, take it as a sign that you’re on the right track—that you’re growing, stretching, and moving toward the life you deserve. Setting stretch goals that stick isn’t about being fearless; it’s about being bold enough to act even when fear is along for the ride.
So, what’s your stretch goal? Write it down, map it out, and take that first step today. Your future self is cheering you on.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Drop your stretch goals in the comments, or schedule a session to strategize how to make them happen. Together, we’ll turn fear into fuel and dreams into reality. You’ve got this! 💪✨