2020 did a number on all of us. How the heck are we going to make 2021 an exciting, worthwhile year? What changes do we need to make? What rituals do we need to institute? WHERE DO I START?!  It’s all about getting pumped up and setting our BIG goals for the year (I mean REALLY big goals!) 

This week I’m talking ALL about BIG, hairy, audacious goals (BHAG for short) and how to get the ball rolling! 

First off, what is a BHAG? I’m so glad you asked!

A BHAG is a LONG term goal that pushes you to achieve something AMAZING, MIND-BLOWING, OUT OF THIS WORD SPECTACULAR!

This goal may seem out of reach when thinking about it, which is EXACTLY why this goal is the one to go for in 2021! A BHAG pushes you to be creative and use your imagination, but also is there to give you that “can do” attitude! While it may feel like there is NO WAY you could possibly achieve this thing -- you totally can! 

Does this intimidate you? That’s good! A BHAG is supposed to be scary, but how amazing are you going to feel when you accomplish it!? That is the feeling you have to look forward to.

How do you set a BHAG?! Where to even start… 

Well, you have to think about how this goal would affect your life? How will you live your life while trying to achieve this goal AND how will you live your life once this goal is accomplished? There are SO many questions you have to ask yourself when setting a BHAG -- BUT that is a good thing! A BHAG is a goal you really want to think about, commit to, and make a promise to yourself that you will work towards it!  No more slacking on your dreams, my friend!

This goal is LIFE CHANGING -- and that is what you need in 2021!

Here are some questions to ask yourself

• Is there a clear endpoint?
• Does it light you up when you talk about the endpoint?
• Does this goal get your creative juices flowing?
• Do you find it exciting and stimulating?
• Are you willing to throw all of your energy into this goal?
• Is it a little bit scary? 
• How will you know when you’ve hit it? 

(HINT: these are GREAT questions to journal about!)

Are you still not sure how to move towards achieving your BHAG? A tip that works for me is setting small goals ahead of your BHAG that make your BHAG a reality. Setting small goals and accomplishing them will make you feel SO good and help push you to reach the BIG one. 

2020 was, let’s be honest, a hellish year. One positive outcome is the proof of how resilient we are! 2021 is a fresh start to create a life for you, by you. You deserve to feel happy and healthy. You deserve to push yourself to reach your goals. This is what life is all about: learning, growing, and achieving. The beauty of creating a BHAG is that it is yours. This is your story and you are the author. 

You’re in the driver’s seat, my friend! Let’s get started!

REFERENCES:

Jim Collins spoke about a BHAG in this podcast. 

“Built to Last” by Jim Collins

The movie “Soul” on Disney+ was referenced in this podcast.