The Goldilocks Rule: How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve

Finding the Sweet Spot Between Too Easy and Too Hard

Why do some goals fire us up while others leave us cold? Emily Balcetis’s Clearer, Closer, Better reveals the science behind the Goldilocks Principle: goals should be challenging enough to inspire, but not so hard they lead to burnout.

Elite athletes break marathons into subgoals, focusing on one segment at a time. Businesses set ambitious but realistic targets—like generating a quarter of revenue from new products. For everyday achievers, this means breaking big dreams into small, visible milestones and celebrating each win.

Vision boards are popular, but their power comes from pairing images with concrete action steps. Vague dreams fade; actionable plans stick. To design goals you’ll actually achieve, make them visible, break them down, and track your progress daily. The sweet spot is where motivation thrives—and success follows.