SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-goal-setting-errors

What are the two classic mistakes people make when setting goals?

Setting them too high or too low.

Start playing free

  1. Setting them too high or too low ✔
  2. Writing them down or saying them aloud
  3. Sharing them or keeping them secret

Why: A goal that is far too high can feel crushing, and one that is too low won't push you. The best goals excite you and still feel reachable.

Huh, didn't know that: Being top cadet in your own squadron is a reachable first goal; best cadet in the nation is a lofty one.

The dad joke
Why did the cadet put his goal on the middle shelf? Too high was out of reach and too low was boring.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Setting them too high or too low. A goal that is far too high can feel crushing, and one that is too low won't push you. The best goals excite you and still feel reachable.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 2, Chapter 7 (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Vol2LetterLowFinal_8BDFDB373E830.pdf
    There are two errors you can make when setting goals: You can set them too high, or you can set them too low.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Leadership & CadetsWhat does emotional self-awareness require?Leadership & CadetsWhat is a self-fulfilling prophecy?Leadership & CadetsA friend shares your secret and you're furious. Which emotion tool means quietly talking to yourself first?

That's stuff everyone should know.