13 Sep Stop Dreaming Small – Always Strive for the Unrealistic
When you set a goal, do you choose something that is within reach or do you go all out and pursue the unreachable?
If you’re like 99% of Americans, you’ll like go for the goal within reach, right?
We all have done it and/or still do it.
That’s because there is a subconscious fear of failure. We tell ourselves that if the goal is too lofty then we are inadvertently setting ourselves up to be disappointed.
We worry about how it will look to others if we fail… what it means about our ability to execute… and, maybe even what it means for our future success.
But, here’s the reality…
When you don’t set your goals high, you will never achieve the aggressive outcomes you want.
Aiming your efforts and energy on “low” goals won’t challenge you to be able to perform at the level you need to scale your business.
Let me tell you this today…
There is nothing wrong with not achieving your goals.
See, I’ve never been a fan of S.M.A.R.T. goals because when I set goals I don’t look to go after the realistic or the attainable. Instead, I’m eager to tackle the unrealistic and the unattainable.
I encourage you to use the S.I.M.P.L.E. goal setting model if you want to be a peak performer.
S-Specific, I-Important, M-Measurable, P– Purpose-Directed, L-Lofty, E-Exciting
One other thing peak performers do is set their sights on outcomes.
So, naturally, the question becomes, “What’s the difference between a goal and an outcome?”
A goal is simply the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
Whereas an outcome is a final product or end result or consequence; a conclusion reached through logical thinking or doing.
Let’s look at this in action…
I set a goal to climb one of the highest mountains in Vermont. In order to do that, I have to suit up and show up. I have to be ready and committed to walking all day from sunrise to sunset. I have to be focused on putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how tired I get.
My goal is to climb the mountain from the base to the top – 17 times (equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest).
Now, this is a lofty goal for sure, and if I don’t achieve it – it is completely fine.
I’m after the outcome, or in other words, my final product is being able to stick it through and try my best. If I didn’t set such a high goal, I would not be climbing a mountain at all.
Me pushing myself to try something new and be willing to fail is the real success in it all. The lessons I’ll learn during this feat are what will propel me to progress forward with my longer-term plans.
So, my goal may be unattainable, but the outcome or the amount of effort I put into it is 100% within my control.
Where in your life and in your business have you been playing it safe?
Before the end of the week, I highly recommend that you set a lofty, unrealistic goal. A goal that you have no idea how to achieve. Once you’ve done that be committed to working toward that goal and give yourself permission to fail.
It’ll be worth the effort – I promise!
No Comments