Set realistic goals.

Meaning: This means to set goals that are challenging but also achievable, based on your current abilities and resources.

Choice of Words: Set means to establish or put something in place, and realistic means based on facts or evidence and not influenced by emotions or imagination. Goals are the objects of a person's ambition or effort. Together, these words convey the idea of establishing achievable objectives.

Alternative Expressions

Don't set yourself up for failure.

Meaning: This means to avoid making plans or targets that you're not likely to reach. It's like saying, Don't choose things you want to do that you probably won't be able to do.

Choice of Words: Don't is a contraction of the words "do not" and it means to not do something. Set yourself up means to prepare or position yourself for something. Failure means not being successful or not achieving something. When you put them together, "Don't set yourself up for failure" means to avoid choosing goals that you're likely to fail at.

Aim for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground.

Meaning: This means to have big dreams, but also to be practical and realistic about what you can actually do. It's like saying, Dream big, but also stay grounded in reality.

Choice of Words: Aim means to point or direct something towards a target. Stars are the bright objects in the sky at night. Keep your feet on the ground means to stay practical and realistic. When you put them together, "Aim for the stars, but keep your feet on the ground" means to set ambitious goals, but also to be realistic about what you can actually achieve.

Related Expressions