I first heard of this term way back when our new CEO rallied each one of us to take a BHAG (the Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that involved changing the way our company was being perceived in the market. It was a 6 month focused exercise that involved a complete transformation of our product. Bigger goals were broken into smaller goals and timelines was attached to each one of those goals. There was a new enthusiasm in each one of us and everyone was busy working and helping each other to reach their target. The change was seen both in terms of the work we used to do and the way we used to interact with other teams. Something was different which was making us feel as one unit to achieve something which everyone initially believed to be impossible. Finally, we achieved what we wanted and it was a different feeling altogether.

 

History is a witness of such events where great people have set a Big hairy Audacious Goals and made the impossible possible. The great revolutions, freedom fights etc. presents us with numerous examples to prove that nothing is impossible. We are here at this moment only because of the vision and courage of people who had the strength to take such Big Hairy Audacious goals. Infact such efforts are everywhere albeit in different forms. Look at Google, Apple, Intel and Microsoft that has changed the face of this world. They achieved what no one had ever imagined mainly because they had vision and courage to take out the impossible. The only thing that separates a goal from Big hairy audacious goal is the level of effort BHAG demands within strict timelines. You have sight on things which are nearly impossible because of their nature or the span within which you want to achieve them.

 

BHAG has the great capability to challenge and bring out the best in every individual. If great things can happen to great people and great companies, how can it be different for you. Yes, A BHAG can be taken at individual level and the rewards are just amazing. Before we talk more on this, let’s talk of some examples which I found in people who are no different from each one of us.

 

1) A friend of mine wants to earn 5 times his income in next 6 months so that he can buy a new car.

2) A student could not study whole year. He has started studying hard in last 2 months with a goal to get the highest grade.

3) An athlete of local level working hard to get into next Olympics.

 

They are Big Hairy Audacious Goals Because

 

1) Each one knew the end point

2) Each one has a timeline in mind.

3) Each one doesn’t have a clue how they will do it but they know they have to do it.

 

But the important point is

 

1) They know they have to achieve it

2) They want to achieve it badly

3) They are willing to give their best to achieve it.

 

And such Goals brings a change

 

1) A change in mindset

2) A change in attitude

3) A change in outlook

 

This leads to

 

1) A rush in blood to achieve the impossible

2) You mind gets tuned to nothing but how to achieve the goal

3) You get in action to make it happen

 

The beauty of such Goals is that

 

1) They stretch you to your best

2) They bring out the best in you

3) You are nothing but unstoppable

 

Continued Below.........

 

And there is nothing to lose in the whole process. Once in a while it is always a good practice to stretch yourself to do something which on the outset looks impossible. It helps you to test yourself and make follow up changes. And the best part–> even if you don’t achieve your BHAG you have got nothing to loose

 

1) You get a great experience

2) You would know areas in which you need to improve

3) You would get wise in terms of what to select and in what manner.

 

The Big Hairy Audacious Goals are worth it not because of their nature but because of what they stand for. And they stand for nothing but Success.

 

Each individual has a fire inside and the best way to get it out is through BHAG- Big Hairy Audacious Goals.

 

Photo Credit – Lisa Bettany {Mostly Lisa}

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