by Brianne Rush
As the new year approaches, many of us reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go. For me, this journey started years ago when I was facing the daunting task of figuring out what I truly wanted and where I saw myself in the future.
It was during a six-month review with my VP of Editorial that I was asked, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" My answer came quickly, but it was safe. "I want to be managing editor of “Dance Spirit Magazine," I said. The response I received was encouraging—what I wanted seemed attainable. It was a comfortable goal, one that felt realistic and just out of reach.
But looking back, I see now that it was too small.
When I was having the same conversation with my best friend, she surprised me by saying, “I want your job, Karen!” Karen was the VP of Editorial, the highest position in the company, and it was a bold answer. In fact, I remember thinking to myself, I can’t believe she said that.
Fast forward six months, and I was offered the managing editor role, years ahead of schedule. At the time, I thought my cautious ambition was exactly what I needed to keep moving forward. But my friend? She went for the top role—and a year later, she was named Editor in Chief, something I thought would take years or even a decade to achieve.
What I learned from her audacity was simple but profound: don’t be afraid to aim higher than you think you can go, even if it feels unreachable.
The Real Lesson: Aim Higher, Even If It Feels Scary
My experience showed me that when you limit your aspirations, you limit your potential. I thought the managing editor role was my peak—something to work toward that felt like a safe bet.
But my friend, by saying out loud that she wanted the big role, ensured she was given the chance to work for it. It taught me that the people who speak their dreams into existence are often the ones who get closer to realizing them.
When it comes to setting goals, whether it’s for your career, personal life, or something else entirely, don’t hold back because you’re afraid to dream big. Aim for what feels ambitious, even outrageous. Because even if you miss, you’re still reaching farther than you ever thought possible.
How to Set Bold Goals for the New Year
As we prepare to step into 2025, I encourage you to set a goal that challenges you—something that pushes you past your comfort zone. Here are a few strategies I’ve learned over the years that will help you achieve your biggest dreams:
Prepare Thoroughly
Take stock of where you are today and where you want to go. Do you have the skills you need to get there? Are there new experiences you can seek out to close the gap? Take action on the things that will make you ready to reach your goal.
Speak With Confidence
Whether you’re in a meeting or having a conversation with your boss, speak your goals out loud with confidence. Don’t be afraid to express your ambitions, no matter how big they seem. You are the only one who knows your potential, and speaking up about what you want shows that you’re serious.
Align Your Goals with the Bigger Picture
It’s not just about you—it’s about how your growth and success align with the mission of the company or organization you’re part of. When you can articulate how your goals benefit both you and your company, your ambitions become more compelling.
Be Open to New Challenges
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Seek out opportunities to stretch your abilities. Volunteer for challenging projects. Ask for the mentorship you need. Every experience is a chance to grow.
Listen to Feedback
Feedback is one of the most valuable resources in your growth. Be open to it, even when it’s constructive criticism. Ask for guidance, and be willing to adjust your approach when necessary. Growth comes from being open to new perspectives.
Set Your Big Goals, Speak Them Aloud, and Act on Them
The key takeaway here is simple: don't be afraid to aim higher. When you speak your goals into existence, you make it easier to take action toward them. So, what’s the big goal you’ve been too afraid to say out loud? Write it down. Say it aloud. And take the first step toward making it happen.
Remember, 2025 can be the year that everything changes for you—if you decide that it’s time to dream bigger, aim higher, and push yourself farther than you ever thought possible. And the best part? The journey is yours to make. It all starts with one bold decision.
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