You need to be delusional if you want to succeed.

Many of us find ourselves trapped in a cycle of mediocrity, pursuing goals that sound good on paper but ultimately lead to a sense of unfulfillment. This isn't because we lack effort or ambition, but often because we're chasing the wrong kind of goals—goals that are realistic, average, and ultimately, self-limiting. To break free from this cycle and achieve extraordinary results, we need to embrace what can be called "delusional goals."

The Problem with Average Goals

We are often lied to about what a good life looks like, leading us to pursue goals that garner societal approval but don't align with our true desires. This results in a life where we might have a degree and a decent job, but also a never-ending sense of despair. Alternatively, we might be productive, waking up early, journaling, and exercising, but without a clear direction, leading to a feeling of being stuck in a loop. Some of us are ambitious but keep our true aspirations quiet, fearing judgment from friends and family, ultimately watering down our unique desires to fit in. These three scenarios highlight a common thread: the pursuit of average, realistic goals.

Our minds are constantly optimizing for a goal, even if we haven't consciously set one. These unconscious goals are often driven by convenience, comfort, or the desire to avoid drawing attention to ourselves. This is why New Year's resolutions often fail; a more powerful, unconscious goal (like comfort) overrides the conscious one. If you're not actively setting and pursuing your own goals, you're likely being guided by goals assigned to you by parents, culture, or society, leading to a life that feels out of your control.