EP 79: Impossible Goals: How 10X Thinking Unlocks Exponential Growth

Mar 10, 2025

47:33

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Most entrepreneurs play it safe with their goals, but Dr. Benjamin Hardy makes a bold case: setting “impossible” goals is the fastest way to scale. Is aiming for something that feels out of reach exactly what forces clarity, focus, and exponential growth?

In this episode, Alex Raymond sits down with Dr. Hardy, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, to discuss the mindset shift behind 10X growth. Why do so many entrepreneurs stay stuck in slow, incremental progress? According to Dr. Hardy, the problem isn’t effort. It’s the way we set goals. Most people aim for what feels achievable, which keeps them trapped in the same patterns. A true 10X goal demands a different way of thinking, working, and making decisions.

The discussion touches on why scaling requires accountability and brutal honesty. Dr. Hardy introduces a game-changing concept called “raising the floor,” eliminating distractions, letting go of tasks that don’t drive results, and narrowing your focus to what truly moves the needle. He also explains why urgency matters. A distant, 10-year goal won’t push you to make bold moves today, but setting a 3-year deadline forces better decisions and a clearer path forward.

Along the way, Dr. Hardy shares examples of entrepreneurs who made massive leaps by shifting their focus. He also previews his upcoming workshop at the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit in Boulder, Colorado, where he’ll break down the science of scaling and help attendees build a strategy for exponential success.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

03:33 Challenges in Scaling for Entrepreneurs

04:05 Systems Dynamics and Business Goals

06:13 Accountability and Economic Models

08:27 Raising the Floor Concept

09:20 Selective Attention and Goal Framing

11:05 Strategy and Eliminating Non-viable Options

12:45 Time as a Strategic Tool

14:52 Future-Driven Decision Making

17:54 Avoiding Distractions and Making Hard Decisions

19:03 Self-Honesty and Ambition to Scale