This week Jim and Jan discuss a popular topic amongst the listeners: setting and achieving BIG goals. They talk about what defines a big goal, why we want to aim high, but not stretch our goals too far out. And… what usually keeps us from setting and accomplishing them. They also talk about the need for shared accountability, understanding the scale of impact vs. the risk of failure, and how to gauge when goals turn into success.  

Key Takeaways

[2:31] With big goals also comes to possibility of failure. Even if you don’t achieve your goal the first, second or even hundredth time, you are still going to grow and learn. When our goals are aligned with our core values, there is success in momentum towards it.

[3:57] Big goals help us reach a new level of awareness. They help us clarify and strengthen what is important.

[5:38] Jim strongly dislikes the concept of setting way too high or “stretch goals.” They are misapplied 98% of the time and often create stress and desperation.

[8:48] The younger workforce is highly attuned to spotting hypocrisy and holding companies accountable for being consistent and transparent.

[15:07] Great leaders align their goals with being of service to other people and the greater good of their team.

[17:10] It’s important to assess what the risk is of the goal, and how it may affect us if it doesn’t work or goes sideways. If there are some pain there, you are probably on the cusp of having a goal that’s big enough.

[20:07] A few of Jim and Jan’s top keys to achieving big goals: Hand write them down, find other people to keep you accountable, stay disciplined and clear your plate, define your victory, and break down the goal into smaller attainable action items.

How to Contact Jim & Jan

Quotes

• “Sometimes, we just don’t have goals that are big enough.”
• “Let’s get goals that are right sized for people.”
• “If you are talking about making an impact, you are talking about being in service of other people.”
• There is nobility in our goals helping other people.”
• “To accomplish your big goals, know what you are going to have to say no to in order to clear the plate.”
• “You’ll have to know what you are heading towards, otherwise it’s never good enough.”
• “Let’s define victory.”

Additional Links:

• Suffer Everything – Dare Everything: Why Difficulties Matter
• TLP107: On Responsibility – Patagonia’s Chief Storyteller & Director of Storyteller
• TLP160: Greg McKeown – Do Less and Accomplish More