Goal setting: BHAG vs. Smart goals

What are goals? And why do you set them?

Goals are desired situations, results or accomplishments you want to achieve. They relate to various aspects of our lives, such as health, career and relationships. Goals guide our actions and help us channel our energy and efforts in a focused way.

Why do you need goals? A goal provides a sense of direction and purpose. As a Business Coach I still encounter too many entrepreneurs who don't have a clear goal. They are not growing (enough) and therefore knock on my door. Setting goals is the first step. Otherwise, you have nothing to work toward. Goals help us understand where we want to go and give us a compass to guide us there. Without goals, you're just doing whatever. You don't have a clear goal, focus and path in mind. The pitfall of every entrepreneur.

Second, goals motivate us to make progress. When we have a goal in mind, we automatically create a challenge for ourselves. This motivates us to take action, overcome obstacles and develop ourselves further.

What should a good objective meet?

A good goal must meet a number of criteria. This is where the comparison between BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) and SMART goals emerge.

BHAG goals are goals that are big and ambitious. They go beyond what we think is possible and challenge us to step outside our comfort zone. BHAG goals inspire and motivate us, and empower us to pursue our dreams. They are often not measurable, but form a vision that guides us in the right direction. An example from Nike: Crush Adidas. The goal is not directly measurable, but everyone knows what needs to be done. The shared vision and mission is clear.

SMART goals, on the other hand, are measurable. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. A SMART goal is specific because it clearly and concretely defines what you want to achieve in a predetermined amount of time. It is measurable because it allows you to measure its progress and success. It is achievable and realistic because it is within your reach and consistent with your capabilities. An example: "I want to improve my 10-kilometer run from 70 minutes to 60 minutes in the next 6 months." Also read my blog: Want to become a much better entrepreneur? Go running.

BHAG vs. Smart goals

The choice between BHAG and SMART goals depends on the nature of your goal and your personal preference. If you have a big, inspiring goal in mind that motivates and challenges you, then a BHAG goal is the right choice. It helps you challenge yourself and think big.

If you need clarity, measurability and a step-by-step approach, SMART goals are more effective. They help you break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps and allow you to track your progress.

How do you actually reach your goal?

Setting goals is only the first step. Actually reaching your goal requires action, motivation and perseverance. Here are tips to get you started:

1. Make a plan: Create a detailed action plan with concrete steps you need to take to reach your goal. Break your goal into smaller sub-goals to make it more manageable.
2. Be motivated: Find out what motivates you to reach your goal and keep this in mind during your journey. Visualize yourself already in the desired situation and keep your focus on that.
3. Prioritize: Put your goals first and be willing to set aside other things to achieve your goal. Determine what is really important and make conscious decisions to focus on that.
4. Take small steps: Break down your goal into smaller, achievable steps and celebrate any progress you make. Small successes create a sense of accomplishment and encourage you to keep going.
5. Be flexible: Understand that goal setting is a dynamic process. Sometimes you need to adapt, revise your strategies and set new goals to respond to changing circumstances.

Make your goal a positive obsession

To actually achieve your goal, it is important to make it a positive obsession. Let your goal be your driving force, your inspiration and your fuel to keep going. Stay focused, be determined and believe in yourself. With the right mindset, a clear plan and a commitment to take action, you will reach your goals and achieve your desired results.

Setting goals is essential to give direction to our lives and achieve desired results. Whether you choose BHAG or SMART goals, the most important thing is to set clear and right goals that motivate and challenge you. Combine this with a detailed action plan, motivation and perseverance, and you will be on your way to realizing your dreams and achieving success. So, set your goals, make your goal a positive obsession and go for it!