Ever feel stuck searching for the perfect goal?
We hesitate, we overthink, we tell ourselves, “What if I pick the wrong one?”
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need the perfect game.
You just need your next game.
The Myth of the Perfect Goal
Many people don’t even start because they think there’s only one ultimate goal in life. That if they choose wrongly, everything else will be wasted.
But here’s the thing: life isn’t a single championship game. It’s a series of seasons. Each season has its own “game” to play.
Jon Acuff calls us to release the pressure of finding the one, lifelong mission and instead focus on the next big game.
It’s not about forever.
It’s about forward.
Ask: “What Do I Win?”
Every goal takes time, energy, and attention. That’s why before you jump in, pause and ask yourself:
“What do I actually win if I finish this goal?”
This question forces clarity. It makes sure you’re not chasing something vague or shallow.
- If you want to write a book, your “win” might be building credibility, sharing your story, or simply proving to yourself you can finish a project.
- If you want to get fit, your “win” could be having more energy to play with your kids or reducing stress after work.
When you can name the win, you can decide if the game is worth playing.
Big Wins, Small Work
💡 Example 1: Fitness
Amir has been telling himself for years that he’ll “get back in shape.” But every time he thinks about it, he imagines grueling 2-hour gym sessions and strict diets. Too overwhelming. So he flips the script: instead of “lose 15kg,” he picks a simpler game — run a 5K.
- Big Win: Crossing the finish line of a local charity run.
- Small Work: Start by walking 15 minutes a day after dinner.
Within 2 weeks, he’s already seeing progress — and, more importantly, he’s building consistency.
💡 Example 2: Money
Nadia always felt stressed about not having savings. Every time her car broke down or bills piled up, she panicked. She thought, “I need $5,000 in the bank,” and it felt impossible. So she chose a smaller game: build an emergency fund, step by step.
- Big Win: Hitting $5,000 in savings within the year.
- Small Work: Transfer $10 into a separate account on a daily basis.
Initially, this amount may appear trivial; however, after three months, she accumulated over $900 securely set aside. This consistent daily effort fundamentally altered her perspective on financial management.
💡 Example 3: Career / Side Hustle
Faiz dreams of starting his own online business but keeps stalling because he thinks it requires a perfect plan, logo, and a big launch. He reframes his approach: launch a small side project.
- Big Win: Opening his first online shop within 3 months.
- Small Work: Spend 20 minutes tonight setting up one social media page.
The moment he published his first post, he realized the wall was never that high — it was just fear. That tiny win gave him the courage to keep building.
Why Quick Wins Matter
Quick wins aren’t just nice to have — they change your range.
Think of your Comfort Zone as a small circle drawn on the floor. Every small win pushes the edge of that circle wider. Suddenly, things that once felt intimidating (like running 5K, saving money, or starting a business) don’t feel as impossible anymore.
The first win is undeniable proof. Proof that the wall is not as daunting as you once believed. Proof that the game is not just playable, but winnable.
Quick Checklist (Your Next Game Plan)
- Name your next game. One line, simple (e.g., “Record 10 YouTube videos by December”).
- Define your win. Write 1–3 concrete benefits you’ll gain (e.g., “learn to speak confidently on camera”).
- Design your first week. Pick small, repeatable tasks that take 15–30 minutes.
- Celebrate the first win. Don’t wait until the end — momentum grows when you mark the milestones.
🌱 Stop waiting for the perfect life goal. Pick the next big game. Play it. Win it. And when you do—you’ll find the next one waiting.













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