As I put the finishing touches on my 2017 business plan and corresponding Statement of Intention, I am reminding myself of one of the most important concepts in goal setting: One must be totally, completely, out-there wackadoo.
Back when I was getting my Business Management degree, I learned about S.M.A.R.T. goals. This was the memorable and oh-so-practical recipe for attaining success: any goal worth having, it was argued, should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-based.
It's just that I never liked the R. It was too…reasonable. Boring. Expected. Who wants to be realistic??! Ugh. Don’t we have enough realism in the world? Isn’t it time to play outside of reality for a bit?
In that spirit, my professional goals in the coming year are utterly outrageous (think 250% growth outrageous). While I can convincingly describe how I can (and WILL) legitimately reach my target revenue – the largest number I have ever had the cajones to tell another human soul in my life – it is still well beyond what “normal” business minds would consider a reasonable growth goal.
And that is why it is perfect.
I want my mind to shudder every time I read my goal every morning. I want to break out in a cold sweat thinking about what it will take to make it happen. I want my Inner Midwesterner to shake her head in near-disgust at the the sheer audacity of it all. If all of those things are present, then I know that I have selected a goal worthy of me and my awesomeness. It is in that very tension which is created that will propel me to be mindfully productive instead of merely passing the time.
You see, we are all complex, amazing creatures with the capacity to do more than we ever thought possible. Amongst us are visionaries, trailblazers, rock stars, innovators, magic makers, and paradigm busters. Our talents are unlimited and our capacity to create unfettered. When we harness our powers (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and relational) and focus those energies on a daily basis toward the attainment of our goals, NOTHING can stop us. Opportunities will suddenly present themselves -- doors will open where there were previously none. People will enter our orbits that will catapult us ever closer to our destinations. Luck and happy accidents will pepper themselves throughout our days to make the impossible possible. But only IF we expand our mindsets while taking mindful actions.
Have you identified your crazy-embarrassing, outrageous 2017 goals? Are you ready to take the steps necessary that will transform your life? Have you made peace with delaying gratification in favor of putting forth sustained effort toward a magnificent vision? Is it time to replace “Realistic” with “Revolutionary?”
Go ahead. Be totally unreasonable in your dreams and your destiny.
I’ll see you there.
Theresa Rose is a business motivational speaker, award-winning author and expert on mindful productivity who helps organizations and their teams have more time, get more done, earn more money and have more fun. For more information, visit TheresaRose.com.