Okay, let’s talk about challenges. You know, those grand, sweeping promises we make to ourselves, thinking, “Yes! I can totally do this!” Well, I’ve gone and done it. I’ve set myself the audacious goal of earning an extra £3000 in four months so I can go to New York at Christmas. Yep, I told myself I could pull it off… and maybe even told my daughter, and the world through TikTok and a previous blog post. But now I’m having one of those wait, what have I done?! moments.
Like, who do I think I am? Beyoncé? Should I have just set my goal to, I don’t know, sleep more or actually remember to eat lunch daily? Maybe survival should’ve been my focus instead of New York at Christmas? I mean, with everything going on, sometimes just getting through the day without losing my mind feels like a win.
But here we are, the challenge is set. Am I doomed? Maybe. But let’s dig into it, shall we?
Positives of Setting Challenges: Why We Do It
First off, let’s give ourselves some credit. Setting challenges, especially big ones like this, gives us something to aim for. It’s like putting a shiny, slightly terrifying carrot on a stick. It’s a way of saying, “I refuse to coast through life. I want MORE!” And who doesn’t want to channel their inner go-getter?
The beauty of challenges is they push us out of our comfort zones. Maybe a bit too far sometimes (hello, £3000 in four months?), but that’s where growth happens, right? You never really know what you’re capable of until you stretch yourself. And honestly, just having a big goal makes life a little more exciting. Even if I don’t make it to New York, just trying to get there means I’ll probably end up in a better place than where I started.
The Negatives: AKA What Was I Thinking?!
Now, let’s not sugarcoat this. Challenges can also be stressful, especially when they’re huge, bold, and have a ticking clock attached. I mean, £3000 is not pocket change, and the holiday season is creeping closer like an overly ambitious Amazon delivery driver. Did I set myself up to fail? Maybe. But honestly, the fear of failing can sometimes drive you to work harder, right?
On the flip side, challenges can also trigger all the negative self-talk. You know, the “I’ll never do this” thoughts that creep in when you’re trying to juggle your job, kids, life, and don’t forget to make £3000 magically appear.
But hey, even if I don’t hit the target, who says I failed? I might just have to reframe it as “Well, I got halfway there and I’m proud of that!” Plus, who doesn’t love a good plot twist? Maybe this challenge will take me somewhere unexpected.
Psychology Behind Challenges: Why We’re All a Bit Mad
Here’s the thing, though. Psychologically, challenges are GOOD for us. Yeah, they might send us spiraling occasionally, but they also boost our motivation, help us focus, and give us a sense of purpose. It’s science, people. When we set goals, our brain releases dopamine—the good stuff. The more we work towards them, the more hits of dopamine we get, which makes us feel great and encourages us to keep going.
But we also have to be realistic. Setting yourself up for an impossible task can backfire, leading to burnout or a case of the “I knew I couldn’t do it” blues. So, balance is key. Maybe I should have given myself six months instead of four, but where’s the fun in that? She says, laughing nervously.
Am I Setting Myself Up to Fail?
Probably. But you know what? That’s okay. Challenges are supposed to be hard. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be challenges. So, whether I end up sipping hot chocolate in Times Square or just in my living room in my PJs, at least I’ll know I gave it a go.
The worst thing we can do is not try at all, right? So, here’s to aiming high, embracing the chaos, and maybe—just maybe—making it to New York this Christmas. And if not, there’s always next year. Or next week. Or that afternoon nap I’ve been dreaming about since… forever.
So, what’s your big challenge? And more importantly, have you remembered to eat lunch today?
Hi Sarah – I love the fact that you have challenged yourself with this opportunity to take this dream trip. And I love that you have challenged yourself in a way that will encourage you and motivate you as it is a big challenge. With that said, it is absolutely doable. I also love it that you have faith in yourself to give this challenge to yourself so that you and your family can enjoy life you want for them. And, if you did not meet the monetary goal, you did step up to the plate and meet the challenge which is the important part of life. Sometimes you win and sometimes we have to wait a little longer to win. With hard work and determination, you will win! I can’t wait to continue to follow your journey to New York City and beyond! Have a wonderful week!
I love your honesty about the ups and downs of setting big goals. I completely understand that mix of excitement and panic—I’ve been there myself when I decided to launch several side projects while juggling work commitments. The pressure can feel overwhelming, but I also found that having a challenge to work toward sparked a new energy in me.
Your points about the psychology of challenges are spot on. The dopamine hits from making progress can be so motivating! I remember setting a goal to save for a trip to take my nephews to Disney, and even though I didn’t hit the target I initially set, the journey taught me budgeting skills and helped me prioritize what truly mattered to me.
Whether you find yourself in Times Square or curled up at home with hot chocolate, you’re gaining valuable experiences that are all part of the journey. Cheers to embracing the chaos and aiming high!
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey!
Hi Sarah,
What an amazing post! I love how you capture the excitement, the doubt, and the humor in setting big goals. It’s so relatable! We’ve all been there, setting ourselves up for a challenge and then wondering, “Wait, did I overdo it?” But like you said, it’s the stretch that counts, whether or not you make it to New York. Challenges really do push us to grow, even if they sometimes feel overwhelming. Hey, maybe the universe will throw some magic your way and that £3000 will come through!
In the meantime, keep going! The journey itself can be just as rewarding as the destination, right?
Excited to see where this journey takes you!
Meredith
Meredith Moore recently posted…Common Mistakes to Avoid in Affiliate Marketing: Pitfalls & How to Succeed
Hey, Sarah!
I love that you’ve addressed this topic. What if we don’t meet the big goals we’ve set? I like to think of my progress even if I haven’t met the big goal. I didn’t meet my big goal of taking my husband to Cabo this year. But so much progress has been made.
I hope you do meet your goal. You are on track to do so. I’m cheering you on! You’ve made so much progress since you declared you’re going to New York for Christmas. It’s still October. I expect your progress will be exponential.
I look forward to seeing your business grow.
Onward, my friend!
Nakina
Hi Sarah,
I think all of us here are guilty of having placed a goal that – at one point or another – seems unreachable.
Truth be told, we also have our doubts and thoughts of “what was I thinking?” as we progress in our journey.
That being said, I remember so many times having people around me who were telling me “it can’t be done!” and my response was pretty much always: “hold my drink… and watch me get it done!”
Did I accomplish all of them? In all honesty, pretty much yes. One thing I got better at was not putting a goal out there that I knew beforehand that I couldn’t accomplish.
I’m sure you can do it. Why? Because from your perspective, it’s doable and an attainable goal because it’s not just about you but also includes your daughter – and that my friend, makes it that much more important!
We place goals for ourselves but when we include another person, it gets even more personal because we don’t want to let them down.
So, go out there and get this done – because from the little I’ve read of you so far, you can do it. Period.