Know the difference between standards (actions based on your core values) and goals (results). You should always set challenging goals, but do not idolize these. Goals/milestones will eventually be hit if you have the right standards in place, with the right people in the right seats on the bus.
But if you only focus on the goal, like to become a millionaire or to get straight A’s, you’re focusing on the wrong thing. You’re focusing on a result, which you only have partial control over, and not on the standards to get you there, of which you have complete control. You get to decide what standards and processes you live by AND if you’re following them to get you the best result. Follow the process, and you’ll reach your goal.
What if you valued reaching the goal above all else? What if you decided that you would reach your goal at any cost possible? Would you steal money to get to millionaire status? Would you cheat your way to a 4.0 GPA? Would you lower your standards, ethics, or morals?
Having integrity and living by your core values is more important than achieving an arbitrary goal. Make sure you set measurable standards in addition to lofty, yet realistic “stretch” goals AND make sure that you understand what is truly important.