The Shoot for the Stars mindset asks you to not limit yourself to a certain level of potential. This links to the growth mindset discussed on the previous pages. If you have a fixed mindset, you'll only do as well as you fix yourself to be. If, however, you aim high, you may just achieve that. You don't know what you're capable of until you try it.
If you want to come out with an 8 in English Literature for example, it may be worth shooting for the stars and attempting the criteria for a 9 instead. This can create a safety net and mean if you make a mistake or fail to meet the criteria for a 9 fully, you will be more likely to get the 8 that you desire. It is likely that in your first few assessments with this mindset that you will not in fact get a 9. However, as you attempt to hit the top grade criteria you will start developing your understanding of what is required through feedback and reflection. The result may be that over time you start achieving the criteria that you may not have considered aiming for in the first place!
The Shoot for the Stars mentality is discussed further in our podcast titled ‘Failure is an Opportunity to Grow’ with Dr David Robertshaw. You can find this in the below.