How Far Are You Willing to Go (to Reach Your Goals)?
Success isn’t linear, and it sure as hell isn’t convenient. Every “overnight success” is a decade of grinding below the surface. But here’s the truth: how far you’re willing to go isn’t just about grit — it’s about clarity, sacrifice, and the uncomfortable confrontation with your own limitations.
The Myth of the “Dream Big” Doctrine
Society loves to sell us on ambition wrapped in a Pinterest quote: Dream big. Reach for the stars. If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. Cute. But dreaming is the easy part. Execution? That’s where the rubber meets the road and where most people’s gas tanks are already running on fumes.
Here’s the question: are you willing to endure? Because it’s not about how “big” your dream is; it’s about how deep you’re willing to dig when reality slaps you in the face.
The Fine Print on Ambition
Goals come with a terms-and-conditions clause. Did you read it before you hit “accept”? The fine print often includes sleepless nights, strained relationships, missed holidays, and a front-row seat to your insecurities whispering, “Maybe you’re not cut out for this.”
Ambition is seductive, but it’s also expensive. For every step you take toward your goal, something else takes a hit — your time, energy, relationships, or health. The real cost isn’t measured in dollars but in the pieces of yourself you’re willing to trade.
Sacrifice: The Currency of Goals
Let’s talk about sacrifice. Everyone loves to post about their hustle — “Rise and grind, baby!” — but nobody talks about what they’ve given up. Sacrifice isn’t glamorous. It’s skipping Netflix binges, saying “no” to brunch, or staying in a less-than-ideal job for six months longer because it funds your side hustle.
Ask yourself: are you okay with being misunderstood? Because chasing goals often means doing things others won’t understand. People will label you as obsessed, unbalanced, or even reckless. And guess what? They’re right. But balance doesn’t get you to the top; obsession does. Balance is for maintenance. Obsession is for growth.
The Role of Brutal Self-Awareness
How far are you willing to go also depends on how honest you’re willing to be with yourself. What are you really chasing? Financial security? Validation? A legacy? If you’re pursuing goals based on someone else’s definition of success, congratulations — you’re playing a rigged game.
Brutal self-awareness is your best tool here. Before you throw yourself into the ring, ask the hard questions: What am I willing to lose? What’s non-negotiable? And — most importantly — am I prepared for the fact that even if I “succeed,” I might still feel unfulfilled?
The Art of Pacing Yourself
The “go hard or go home” mantra is garbage. Going hard without pacing yourself is a surefire way to burn out before you hit your stride. Think of your journey like a marathon: sprint too early, and you’ll collapse before mile 10. Success isn’t just about speed; it’s about endurance.
Set benchmarks, take breaks, and don’t confuse motion with progress. The world will tempt you to keep up with everyone else’s highlight reels. Ignore it. Your path is yours, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
When to Fold
Here’s a controversial take: sometimes, quitting is the bravest thing you can do. Not every goal deserves your blood, sweat, and tears. There’s no shame in recalibrating. Stubbornness isn’t a virtue when it keeps you stuck on a sinking ship. Know when to pivot, when to rest, and when to walk away.
So, How Far?
The answer isn’t universal. For some, “far enough” means pulling all-nighters and living on ramen for five years. For others, it’s refusing to let work come at the expense of family dinners. Neither is right or wrong — it’s about alignment with your values.
How far you’re willing to go isn’t a one-time question. It’s one you’ll revisit, again and again, at every crossroads. The key isn’t just going far — it’s going far enough and knowing where that line lies for you. Because the ultimate goal? It’s not the title, the money, or the accolades. It’s reaching the end of your journey and thinking, That was worth it.
Now, ask yourself: are you willing to go the distance? Or are you just along for the ride?
Hi there, I’m Brian, and in addition to this Medium, I wrote The Main Thing is The Main Thing. Buy your copy today.
