Big goals don’t fall apart because they’re too hard. They fall apart because people treat them like a sprint or a secret.

But big goals—real ones—move like mountains. You can’t rush them. You can’t wish them smaller. You have to climb them—step by strategic step.

If your summit feels far away right now, this is your map.

Step 1: Start at the Bottom—Define Your Mountain

No vague goals allowed. Not “I want to be happier” or “I want more money.” You need sharp, specific, emotionally-resonant clarity.

• “I want to feel energized and proud when I finish my workday.”
• “I want to earn 10% more by December so I can pay off my credit card.”
• “I want to switch careers without blowing up my life.”

Get detailed. Write it down. This is the base layer of your climb.

Step 2: Reach Base Camp—Build the Route

Now that you know what mountain you’re climbing, chart the path.

Ask:

• What’s my timeline?
• What would “progress” look like every month?
• What resources, habits, or support do I need?

Map the milestones. Don’t skip this. Without a timeline, you’ll wander. Without a route, you’ll burn out early.

If you’re trying to earn a degree, base camp looks like course research, enrollment deadlines, and choosing your first 1–2 classes.

Step 3: Climb the Midsection—Do the Work

This is where most people quit. Not because they failed—because they lost track of the next step. Break it into chunks.

One action per week. One class. One pitch. One boundary. One change.

Focus less on how far you have to go. Focus more on what’s next.

This is also where you’ll get tired. You’ll question the climb. That’s normal. It doesn’t mean the summit’s wrong—it means you’re in motion. Stay there.

Step 4: Reach the Summit—Claim the Win

When you hit the goal, don’t downplay it. Don’t rush past it. Don’t minimize it. Celebrate it. Out loud. On purpose. With joy.

• Buy the thing.
• Take the break.
• Tell the people.

Pride is fuel. When you acknowledge what you’ve climbed, it becomes easier to take on the next mountain.

Bonus Tip: Train for Altitude

As you rise, things get harder. The air gets thinner. Doubts get louder. Don’t let that surprise you. This is not a sign you’re off-track. It’s a sign you’re growing. Expect altitude adjustment. Prepare mentally for it. Keep moving. And if you’re feeling shaky halfway up, pause. Don’t retreat—just regroup.

The Summit Is Built One Step at a Time

No one reaches the top in a single day. But you will get there—if you don’t stop climbing.

So if you’re standing at the base of something big right now? Good. That means there’s something worth reaching for. Just start moving. You’ll gain strength with every step.