The graph below shows the way Goals and Self-Esteem are correlated.

Moving from left to right along the curve, the key points are:

1. When Self-esteem is low it is difficult to set goals...so Goals, if any, are weak and don’t cut it
2. When Goals are weak and they don’t ‘test the mettle’ Self-esteem tends to suffer and drop
3. When Self-esteem is ‘normal’ people are comfortable setting Goals [some thrive on it]
4. When Self-esteem is ‘normal’ it tends to increase with the challenge of the Goals
5. When Self-esteem is at a peak Goals can be challenging…they can be ’stretch’ Goals
6. When Goals become too challenging Self-esteem starts to drop, sometimes it plummets
7. When Goals become unrealistic Self-esteem can quickly drop below ‘normal’ levels…and stay there
8. BHAGs ain’t for everyone!