Shoot for the stars is an expression used to encourage someone else to set their goals at a challenging level. For an explanation: If you want to jump as high as possible you will set your goal to jump to the stars in space. Example: Speaker 1: I need to make a goal for my life. Speaker 2: I think you should "shoot for the stars".

It means: to aim as high as possible. E.g. Don't aim to become manager, aim to become CEO.

I've always understood it as telling someone to overachieve (but not in a negative way) or to do your best. Basically it means don't limit yourself to doing poorly. Student: I will be lucky to get a C on my exam Friend: Shoot for the stars and study hard That is a bad example, sorry.

Try your best to do it , and it will get better than before .