This reminds you to take into account, for example, your current knowledge, skills and qualities; the knowledge skills and qualities you are aiming for; the help and hindrances you are likely to encounter along the way; and the time you have available. Setting realistic goals can help to foster a can-do attitude ? success helps to breed success, while failure can breed further failure, as you become more downhearted. So, reach for something that stretches you, but which will not overwhelm you. A little pressure can be energising, but too much of it leads to stress which is unhealthy, both physically and mentally.
Copyright © 2008 The Open University
