Often when people achieve a goal, they find the outcome is not what they expected. Exploring your goal helps confirm you have a realistic idea of what life might be like after achieving it.
Talk to others, read more widely, and try to involve yourself in the activities you are considering. Get “close to the action” before making a major commitment of time or money.
For example, in aviation you may want to do a trial instructional flight, or even a flight screening course, before committing to flight training. If you are sailing, ask to just be a passenger during a race or cruise. If you are about to start a university degree, how can you spend some time with others who are already in that profession?
You can also try two techniques described in the book to help you further clarify your goals, reasons and objectives. These techniques are creative visualization and creative scripting.
While these examples may involve some added time and cost, consider the time and cost wasted if you achieve your goal and find it’s not what you wanted!