Don’t shoot for the moon: aiming for ‘above average’ is key to success, maths suggests
Researchers suggest that aiming for 'above average' rather than overly ambitious goals can lead to better outcomes. A mathematical model indicates that individuals who set their thresholds slightly above the average tend to achieve greater satisfaction. This approach can be applied to various life scenarios, including job hunting and decision-making.
- ▪Aiming for merely above average is often more effective than striving for the highest possible goals.
- ▪The model shows that people who are too ambitious may end up worse off than those who are moderately ambitious.
- ▪The findings highlight the importance of understanding the full range of possibilities rather than just focusing on exceptional cases.
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One example tested in the model was hunting for a job with a particular salary. Agents rejected offers below the threshold and accepted those that met it. Photograph: skynesher/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenOne example tested in the model was hunting for a job with a particular salary. Agents rejected offers below the threshold and accepted those that met it. Photograph: skynesher/Getty ImagesScienceDon’t shoot for the moon: aiming for ‘above average’ is key to success, maths suggests Model created by researchers shows better outcomes are often more likely when people are not too ambitiousIan Sample Science editorFri 29 May 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 29 May 2026 09.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleIt is the end of an idiom for motivational speakers.
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