<p>I think Bartleby raises a good point. There is nothing inherently wrong in having a goal — even a lofty goal. Goals provide direction and help people motivate themselves. The problem comes when the goal becomes “The End” rather than simply one more success on an individual’s life path. I tell my kids that no-one has made more mistakes than me, but that I’ve become very adept at recognizing failure and correcting my path. (Naturally they have no clue as to what I’m trying to say, but that’s another story.) Just because one isn’t accepted at Yale doesn’t mean one won’t have a successful life.</p>