Chasing our Goals
The 10x Principle: Why Aiming Higher with Audacious Goals is Easier than Incremental Gains"
When chasing our goals or dreams, we often default to incremental improvements. We tend to self limit ourselves.
However, there's a powerful principle that challenges this conventional wisdom: the idea that 10x growth is easier to achieve than 2x growth.
It may sound counterintuitive, but this mindset shift can unlock incredible opportunities and transformations in your life.
Personally, I’ve found that taking off any limitations and setting almost seemingly outrageous goals and coupling them with compassionate and deliverable steps to get there has been a total game changer.
I applied this when I decided to learn how to swim at the age of 53. Rather than say I was going to learn how to swim, something I’d not managed to do all my life, I decided to emulate a friend and plan to swim from island to island in Greece! 5km.
For whatever reason, having that audacious goal was a game changer. I parked the end goal in the back of my mind and focused on enjoying the journey.
The picture above is me after swimming 6km in an estuary in South Devon last year!
The journey has been amazing and has opened up so many new experiences, learnings and opportunities.
The Concept of 10x vs. 2x Growth
The principle of 10x growth suggests that aiming for ten times the improvement requires a fundamentally different approach than aiming for just double the results. When you target 2x growth, you often make small, incremental changes that don't fundamentally alter your approach or thinking.
In contrast, 10x growth forces you to rethink your strategies, break old patterns, and innovate in ways that lead to exponential gains. It leads to revolution rather than evolution.
Why 10x is Easier than 2x
Breaks Limiting Beliefs
Aiming for 2x growth often confines you within the boundaries of your current limitations. It keeps you tethered to familiar patterns and small adjustments. In contrast, 10x growth breaks these limiting beliefs. It requires you to envision possibilities beyond your current reality, fostering a mindset of abundance and potential.
Encourages Radical Innovation
When you aim for 10x improvement, you can't rely on the same old methods. This ambitious goal demands radical innovation and creative problem-solving. It pushes you to explore new strategies, technologies, and paradigms, leading to breakthroughs that wouldn't be possible with a 2x mindset.
Amplifies Motivation and Focus
10x goals are inherently more exciting and motivating than incremental ones. The prospect of achieving something extraordinary fuels your passion and commitment. This heightened motivation translates into greater focus, energy, and resilience, making the pursuit of 10x growth more engaging and sustainable.
Attracts Better Resources and Opportunities
Ambitious goals attract attention, resources, and opportunities that smaller goals often don't. When you aim for 10x growth, you position yourself as a visionary, drawing in like-minded individuals, investors, and collaborators who share your bold vision. This network of support amplifies your chances of success.
Leverages the Power of Compounding
10x growth leverages the power of compounding, where small gains build upon each other to create exponential results. By adopting strategies that multiply your efforts, you achieve far greater outcomes over time compared to linear, incremental progress.
Setting Audacious Goals with Compassionate Steps
While aiming for 10x growth, it's essential to break down these audacious goals into deliverable, compassionate steps. This approach ensures you stay motivated and avoid burnout while steadily progressing towards your ambitious objectives.
It’s very much about enjoying the journey!
Think Big and Bold
Start by envisioning what 10x growth looks like for you. Allow yourself to dream big and imagine the possibilities. Identify areas in your life or business where radical improvement is possible and set ambitious, audacious goals.
Challenge Assumptions
Question the assumptions and constraints that limit your thinking. Identify the beliefs and habits that keep you stuck in incremental growth and replace them with empowering, expansive beliefs that support 10x growth.
Innovate and Experiment
Embrace a mindset of experimentation and innovation. Seek out new approaches, technologies, and strategies that have the potential to drive exponential growth. Be willing to take risks and learn from failures along the way.
Break Down the Journey
Divide your audacious goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Set milestones and celebrate each achievement along the way. These incremental wins keep you motivated and create a sense of progress without feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of your goal.
Maintain Self-Compassion
Recognise that pursuing 10x growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself throughout the journey. Accept that setbacks are part of the process and use them as learning opportunities rather than reasons for self-criticism. No growth is linear.
Build a Supportive Network
Surround yourself with individuals who share your vision and can support your journey towards 10x growth. Seek mentors, partners, and collaborators who can provide guidance, resources, and encouragement. Parachute in expertise.
Leverage Technology and Automation
Utilise technology and automation to amplify your efforts. Identify areas where technology can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and scale your impact. Embrace tools and platforms that enable you to achieve more with less effort.
Embracing the 10x Mindset
Adopting a 10x mindset is not just about setting ambitious goals; it's about fundamentally shifting your approach to growth and success. Here are some tips to help you embrace the 10x mindset:
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Embrace the belief that your abilities and potential are not fixed but can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. A growth mindset fosters resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to take on challenges. After all, you learned how to walk and talk!
Focus on Impact, Not Effort
Shift your focus from the amount of effort you put in to the impact and results you achieve. Look for leverage points where small actions can create significant outcomes. Prioritise activities that have the highest potential for exponential growth. Use the 80/20 principle I covered in a previous newsletter.
Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones and achievements along your 10x journey. Recognise the progress you've made and use it as fuel to keep moving forward. Celebrating successes reinforces your commitment and motivation.
Some Inspiration for Your Journey
Watching Recommendation 🎥 "Moonshot Thinking" by Astro Teller - This inspiring talk explores the concept of aiming for moonshots, ambitious goals that push the boundaries of what's possible. Astro Teller shares insights on how to embrace a 10x mindset and drive exponential innovation.
Reading Recommendation 📘 "Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth, and Impact the World" by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler. This book provides practical strategies for achieving 10x growth and leveraging exponential technologies to create massive impact.
Listening Recommendation 🎧 "Exponential Wisdom" - Hosted by Peter Diamandis and Dan Sullivan, this podcast explores how to leverage exponential technologies and mindsets to achieve extraordinary growth and success.
Final Thoughts
The principle that 10x is easier than 2x challenges us to rethink our approach to growth and success.
By aiming higher, embracing innovation, and cultivating a growth mindset, we unlock new levels of potential and achievement.
Remember, the journey to 10x growth is not about working harder; it's about thinking bigger and smarter.
Here's to embracing the 10x mindset and transforming your life in extraordinary ways.
It’s so easy to lose sight of our true selves.
Aligning your Inner and Social Voices: Insights from Martha Beck's "Finding Your Own North Star"
It’s so easy to lose sight of our true selves.
We often find ourselves torn between the expectations of society and our own inner desires.
Martha Beck, in her transformative book "Finding Your Own North Star," delves into this dichotomy, helping us understand the difference between our inner voice and the social voice.
Let’s explore how to connect with your inner voice and distinguish it from the social voice, allowing you to live a life that’s true to your core values and passions.
Understanding the Inner and Social Voices
Martha Beck describes the inner voice as the authentic, true self – the part of us that knows our deepest desires and aspirations. It’s the voice that guides us towards our own "North Star," leading us to fulfilment and joy.
Conversely, the social voice is the external influence, shaped by societal norms, expectations, and pressures. It’s the voice that often tells us what we "should" do, based on others’ expectations rather than our own true desires.
The goal for a happy life is to align the two as much as possible. That way everyone’s happy!
1. Identifying Your Inner Voice
Your inner voice is intuitive and often speaks in whispers. It’s the gut feeling, the inner knowing that emerges when you are still and reflective. Here are some ways to identify your inner voice:
Quiet Reflection: Spend time in silence, away from distractions. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in nature can help you tune into your inner voice.
Feelings of Peace and Excitement: Your inner voice often brings a sense of peace, excitement, or deep contentment when you think about certain activities or choices.
Authenticity: Your inner voice aligns with your true self and values. It feels genuine and true, without the need for external validation.
For me personally the two most powerful ways of connecting to my inner voice have been self refection and enquiry through meditation and breathwork.
They both allow you to truly connect to your feeling body. The one that’s absolutely on your side and knows what’s best for you.
2. Recognising the Social Voice
The social voice is louder and more demanding. It often comes with a sense of urgency or pressure to conform. Here’s how to recognize it:
External Expectations: The social voice is heavily influenced by societal norms and expectations. It’s the voice that tells you to pursue certain careers, lifestyles, or behaviours because they are deemed acceptable or prestigious.
Fear and Doubt: The social voice often triggers fear, doubt, or anxiety, pushing you to make decisions based on what others might think or expect.
Validation Seeking: When you find yourself seeking approval or validation from others, it’s likely the social voice influencing your decisions.
Connecting with Your Inner Voice
To live a life that aligns with your true self, it’s essential to connect with and prioritise your inner voice. Here’s how you can start:
1. Create a Daily Practice
Incorporate daily practices that help you tune into your inner voice. This could be meditation, mindfulness exercises, journaling, or spending time in nature. Regular practice helps quiet the social voice and strengthens your connection to your true self.
2. Listen to Your Body
Your body often knows the truth before your mind does. Pay attention to physical sensations and emotional responses. Feelings of tension, discomfort, or unease can signal that you’re listening to the social voice, while feelings of peace, joy, and excitement often indicate alignment with your inner voice.
3. Set Boundaries
Learn to say no to demands and expectations that don’t align with your core values. Setting boundaries protects your energy and allows you to focus on what truly matters to you.
4. Seek Authentic Connections
Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your true self. Authentic connections with like-minded individuals reinforce your inner voice and provide a supportive environment for personal growth.
Embracing Your True Path
Living in alignment with your inner voice requires courage and commitment. It’s about making choices that honour your true self, even when they go against societal expectations. Here are some tips to stay true to your path:
1. Regular Self-Reflection
Make time for regular self-reflection to reassess your goals, values, and actions. This practice helps ensure you’re staying aligned with your inner voice and making necessary adjustments.
2. Celebrate Your Authenticity
Acknowledge and celebrate the moments when you honour your inner voice. These victories reinforce your commitment to living authentically and inspire you to continue on your path.
3. Be Patient and Compassionate
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself as you navigate the journey of connecting with your inner voice. Practice self-compassion and recognise that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn along the way.
Some Inspiration for Your Journey
Watching Recommendation 🎥
"The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown - This TED Talk explores the importance of being true to oneself and embracing vulnerability as a path to connection and authenticity.
Reading Recommendation 📘
"Untamed" by Glennon Doyle Glennon Doyle's memoir encourages readers to trust their inner voice and break free from societal expectations, providing a powerful narrative on self-discovery and authenticity.
"The Good Life Project" Hosted by Jonathan Fields, this podcast explores how to live a meaningful, connected, and vital life. Guests share their journeys of aligning their actions with their inner voice, often contrasting it with societal expectations.
Final Thoughts
Connecting with your inner voice and distinguishing it from the social voice is a transformative journey.
By prioritising your true self and making choices that align with your core values, you can create a life that’s rich with meaning and joy.
Remember, the journey is unique to each person. Start by taking small steps, stay committed, and embrace the process. Here’s to living a life guided by your inner wisdom.