Watch Out for Over Ambition

Let’s be real: we all have felt like our goals are either too small to excite us or so big they leave us overwhelmed.

Finding the right performance level for you isn’t just important—it’s transformational.

Here’s the thing: too little ambition keeps you in the same spot, while too much can spiral into imposter syndrome and burnout— that frustrating feeling that you’re never good enough, even when you clearly are.

Most founders struggle with imposter syndrome, and it's one of the main reasons their companies get stuck (If you can already tell this is you, let's talk in a 1:1 session).

But others are on the way, not even realizing how they are digging their own grave. Let's get deeper into this.

The Pitfalls of Under-Ambition

When you don’t push yourself, you’re settling for less than you can.

It’s comfortable to play it safe… for a while.

But soon enough, you’ll hit a wall: stagnation. That nagging question starts haunting you: “What if I had aimed higher?”

Without bold goals, you miss the chance to create the breakthroughs that could change your life and business.

The real cost of under-ambition? Regret.

I remember when we started slow the first 4 months of clickOn to be safe, as it was a new space for us, until we realized Groupon in Argentina was investing heavily and started to have quite a head start.

We gave them a dangerous edge.

The Dangers of Over-Ambition

On the flip side, aiming too high without a precise plan and expert support is just as dangerous.

Setting goals that are too big, too fast, or too complex without the proper support can overwhelm you. Instead of making progress, they spark self-doubt, procrastination, and perfectionism.

That’s the breeding ground for imposter syndrome. You push yourself so hard, you start questioning whether you even deserve to be there.

You may feel isolated, thinking “No one understands how hard this is.”

But here’s the reality: we’re all struggling to achieve something.

Building a business is tough AF— it’s why most people don’t succeed on the short-term, but especially in the long-term.

The difference between those who fail and those who succeed?

They admit they don’t have all the answers. They don’t pretend to know it all. They fill the gap.

Finding the ambition equilibrium.

You need to set goals that challenge you but are still achievable. Goals that stretch you without paralyzing you.

Start by asking yourself:

• Are my goals realistic yet challenging?: Instead of saying, "I want to run a marathon next month," consider whether it's realistic based on your current fitness level.

A more balanced goal could be, "I will train for a half marathon in six months and a full marathon in a year."

• Are they broken down into manageable steps?:  If your goal is to write a book, instead of thinking, "I need to write 300 pages," break it down into smaller tasks:

• Outline the main chapters
• Write 500 words a day
• Edit one chapter per week

The trick is to break big goals into small, manageable steps, and celebrate every win, no matter how small. That’s how you build momentum.

Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and let that momentum build.

A Founder’s Success Framework - With a Real-Life Example

Here are three steps you can implement today:

1. Conduct a “Goals Audit”: Take a moment to reflect on your current goals. Are they inspiring, realistic, and specific? Adjust them as needed to ensure they are challenging but achievable.

DON’T:

• Set vague goals like “Grow my business.” This doesn’t give you a clear direction or measurable outcome.
• Create goals that are too easy, like “Make 2 sales per month,” without considering how you’ll grow over time.

DO:

• Set clear, measurable goals like “Increase monthly revenue by 20% = 52K MRR by launching two new marketing campaigns.”
• Make sure your goals stretch you but are achievable with the resources you have—like “Increase website traffic by 30% to 25k visits in the next quarter by publishing two blog posts per week.”

2. Obsess about milestones (EOS calls them Rocks): Break your goals into weekly milestones. Focus on 1-3 key actions every week that move you closer to your goals. Track your progress.

DON’T:

• Try to do everything at once, like working on your website redesign, product launch, and social media strategy in the same week without prioritizing.
• Ignore deadlines or skip tracking progress, which can lead to losing sight of your goals.

DO:

• Focus on 1-3 key actions that will bring massive results contributing to your goals acceleration. For example, one week might be focused on customer outreach while the next is dedicated to finalizing your product launch.
• At the end of each week, reflect on what you accomplished, track your progress, and adjust your action plan accordingly.
• Find your support system: Success isn’t a solo game. Whether it’s a mentor, a mastermind group, or a coach, having a sounding board is critical for staying on track and avoiding burnout.

DON’T:

• Seek generic advice from multiple sources, like random LinkedIn posts, without applying it to your specific business challenges.
• Try to handle everything on your own without feedback, leading to unnecessary mistakes and missed opportunities.

DO:

• Find a mentor or coach who is aligned with your goals and has experience in your industry. For instance, schedule regular check-ins with someone who has successfully scaled businesses similar to yours.
• Engage with a mastermind group where you can share ideas, ask questions, and get tailored advice from peers who understand your unique challenges.

Does this feel overwhelming? Don’t worry, we can do it together!

Let’s create your personalized plan for balanced ambition.

Schedule your free 1:1 Customized Scaling Gameplan Call today, and let’s make your goals work for you.

Remember: balance is within reach. And when you strike it, you’ll feel clear, confident, and capable.

You’ll have the drive to achieve your big goals without burning out.

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