BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) is a goal setting style that focuses on setting goals that in normal circumstances would be considered unrealistic. Setting BHAGs have tremendous benefits in terms of motivation, a drive for massive action and to galvanize and bring teams together to achieve the improbable.
We all desire to be inspired and do something larger than ourselves. This is the biggest reason why Big Hairy Audacious Goals are so good at motivating people. As compared to more realistic goals, BHAGs inspire people by making them believe that they are not part of the ordinary, are doing something beyond themselves and it throws up a challenge to ordinary thought.
If you wish to inspire people, consider setting BHAGs – Big Hairy Audacious Goals.
Doing the Unrealistic Is Easier Than Doing the Realistic: It’s lonely at the top. Ninety-nine percent of people in the world are convinced they are incapable of achieving great things, so they aim for the mediocre. The level of competition is thus fiercest for “realistic” goals, paradoxically making them the most time and energy-consuming.
The benefit of BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): Having an unusually large goal is an adrenaline infusion that provides the endurance to overcome the inevitable trials and tribulations that go along with any goal.
Tim Ferris – Author – 4-hour workweek / Tools of Titans / Tribe of Mentors
The 10x rule:You must set targets that are 10 times what you think you want and then do 10 times what you think it will take to accomplish those targets. Massive thoughts must be followed by massive actions.
Grant Cardone – Author – The 10x rule / Sell or Be Sold
Motivational: The right BHAG is so motivational that the whole organization becomes obsessed with it, and it galvanizes the company.
Cliff Lerner – Tech Entrepreneur / Author – Explosive Growth
Recommended Books – BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals)
The Magic of Thinking Big
Authors: David J. Schwartz,
If you want to have a big impact in the world, you really don’t need much intellect or skill. But you do need to think big and then devise a plan to make those dreams come true. When you believe in yourself and in your dreams you will experience success in every aspect of your life, from your marriage to your career.
Videos – BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals)
Why Visionary Companies Always Have a BHAG
A BHAG is your Everest that unites everyone, and the results of having one can be spectacular. This video by the Growth Institute, explains the benefits, the methods and key examples of how to set up BHAGs.
Other concepts on Goals
SMART Goals
How do you know if you are setting the right type of goals? A quick way is to check if your goals are SMART (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Agreed upon, Realistic, Time-based).
Goal Planning – Planning, Your Vision & Reviews
One you have settled upon your desired goal, it is essential that you create a clear plan, the provide you visibility of the steps that you need to take to help you achieve your goal. Planning how to reach your goal, is the immediate next step post your having established what your goals are.
Dominate – Don’t Compete
People who truly succeed big, never try to compete – they choose instead to dominate their particular niche and become known as the ‘go-to’ person or company for those specific requirements. Domination allows you to never have to compete on price, not get involved in feature wars and bring along free marketing.
The Right Road
We often get so caught up in doing, that we forget to check if what we are doing is really helping us proceed to our desired goals or destinations. While action is important, it is critical that the action is something that it taking you closer to (and not further away) from your desired goals. Are you on the right road?