The earth orbits the sun in “The Goldilocks Zone” – we are at just the right distance for liquid water to exist so that life can flourish. Like Goldilocks’ porridge in the children’s tale, the earth is neither too hot nor too cold.
Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS) applies this idea as part of his test for setting a worthy goal. You can find the whole approach in his book How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters which I thoroughly recommend if you are ambitious and want to make a difference.
Once you have something exciting and important in mind, the Goldilocks test can help you set the level of challenge. MBS says a worthy goal should be daunting – that means it’s neither too safe and easy, nor unachievable. I like his definition of daunting: You know how to start but not how to complete the whole task. You may not know at the beginning where it will take you physically, mentally or emotionally. What will it take? How will you actually do it? You do know you’ll have to commit and dig deep – and that it will be worth the effort.
This year I’m running The Norfolk Marathon to raise money for The Big C, a local cancer charity. I run regularly to keep fit and to enjoy the landscapes and wildlife of Norfolk. I had run half-marathons, but no further, and thought that was my limit.
Inspired by people in The Norfolk Trail Runners, with whom I run once a week, I began to wonder, and then to believe that, if I put in the work (and the miles) I could complete a marathon. It wouldn’t be easy (too cold) but is should be achievable based on my starting point (not too hot). Aged 62, I decided to run my first marathon.
I am 12 weeks into a 16 week training programme with the event scheduled for 28th April. My confidence and self-belief has grown and I know now exactly how I intend to complete the challenge. But I won’t have run the full 26.2 miles in a single session until the day. It still feels a little daunting, but I can’t wait for the race to start!
So, if you want to stretch yourself and make a difference, why not apply the Goldilocks Test to your personal or business goals this year?
You can read more about my marathon effort for Big C and make a donation on my just giving page by following this link:
clive rounce is fundraising for Big C (justgiving.com)
Thank you and good luck with your worthy goals!