A Strong Way to Work Toward Goals; Step-by-Step vs. Chasing the Horizon

There are two ways people move toward their goals.

The first is what I call chasing the horizon. You see that big dream out there, the promotion, the business, the perfect team, and you run hard after it. But the closer you get, the further it seems to move. You are always reaching, rarely arriving.

Then there is step-by-step living. Here, you still have that dream, but you hold it lightly. Your focus shifts to what is real now. What can I do today? What feels right to move on next? Each action builds on the last, and the path starts to form under your feet. You are not chasing. You are creating.

CliftonStrengths can be a useful tool to help. They do not just describe who you are; they guide how you move.

You might not know your strengths yet. Read the list below and see which question stands out or feels most like you. That is your intuition telling you where you are strong already and where you could step next.

Achiever What is one small thing I can complete today?

Activator What is the first action I can take right now?

Adaptability What does this moment need from me?

Analytical What evidence do I need before deciding my next move?

Arranger How can I organise people or parts so we make progress faster?

Belief What do I value that should guide this step?

Command What truth needs to be voiced so we can move forward?

Communication Who needs to hear about this step so they can come along?

Competition Who is doing this well already and what can I learn from them?

Connectedness How does this step contribute to something bigger?

Consistency What standard or rule will keep things fair for everyone?

Context What can the past teach me about the best next move?

Deliberative What risks should I consider before taking this step?

Developer Who could I encourage as they take their own next step?

Discipline What routine or structure will help me stay on track?

Empathy What is someone else feeling as we move forward together?

Focus What is an immediate goal that could move you closer to what you want?

Futuristic What could this become if it all went right?

Harmony Where is the common ground we can build from?

Ideation What fresh approach could make this easier or more fun?

Includer Who might feel left out and how can I bring them in?

Individualization What does each person here need to do their best work?

Input What information or resource could make this next step stronger?

Intellection What do I need to think through before I act?

Learner What can I explore or experiment with to grow?

Maximizer How can I take what works and make it even better?

Positivity How can I bring energy or lightness to what is ahead?

Relator Who could I walk this next part with?

Responsibility What commitment do I need to honour next?

Restorative What problem needs fixing before we move forward?

Self-Assurance What is my gut telling me?

Significance What action will make the biggest difference or impact?

StrategicWhich next move makes the most sense?

Woo Who can I connect with to open the next opportunity?

So if you have been chasing a horizon that never seems to stay still, pause.

Look down.

Take the next step that feels right for you.

That is how progress happens.