Entrepreneurs are motivated to shoot for the moon in their goals and dreams. There's some merit to this idiom, but there's a downside as well. To set your goals and expectations too high can diminish your odds of achieving them. Too many entrepreneurs get caught up in the dream, but years go by and they aren't much closer to actually living it

That's because we need the incentive, clarity, and motivation to get from the current reality to what we want. The expectation of giant leaps can lead to many let downs, without reward. By categorizing your goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and celebrating your wins you will increase your odds of success.

Someone who is new to the sport of running, for instance, does not set out to achieve a marathon right away. They are taught to build their endurance by running shorter distances and adding the miles on slowly. Building physical strength is only one part of this strategy; it also builds mental endurance. The parts of the brain that make up the reward center stimulate the neurons that release the "feel-good" hormone, resulting in what some call a dopamine rush. Ambitious entrepreneurs live in anticipation of the feel-good rush associated with attaining important goals. This incentivizes them to build on their achievements.  

If you set achievable, realistic goals you are more likely to accomplish what you set out to do, so always set the bar at a realistic level. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying to keep it there. Raise the bar in small to medium-sized increments, rather than shoot for the moon right out of the gate. Begin by running one mile and eventually end up running 26.2. 

Here's a goal-setting process that can help just about anyone get a goal to done. The reward associated with completion comes along in smaller doses and will keep you motivated and inspired to stay on track. You'll be stimulated by your momentum and feel the satisfaction of achievement rather than stumbling over failure. You'll begin by working in three categories.

Category one is something you could do this with your eyes closed; simple, but necessary. 

Anyone who's reasonably healthy can work up to running a mile. One. Single. Mile. When you hit this goal, be sure to celebrate it and feel the satisfaction that you're entitled to. And then, raise the bar. 

The second category is comprised of the things that you really want.

This might be the revenue goal that makes your business is sustainable. You can support your household with ease, pay your employees, and invest in marketing and growth. Certainly, you continue to build by adding goals. Some are just out of reach, but attainable.

But it could get better. That's when you dip your toe into level three. 

Category three is where you shoot for the moon.

Here's where the innovation and highly significant growth occurs. Entrepreneurs need to stretch their comfort zones and think beyond the scope of their current reality. This is where you ask, what if? It's where you take technological advancements into consideration, along with changes in the market, economy, and the needs and desires of next generations. Go ahead, unleash your imagination and ambitions.

So yes, shoot for the moon. Just work your way up from the ground rather than waiting for a mythical rocket to come along and take you for a ride.