The BHAG Goal: Aiming for the Stars in Your Career 🚀

Kevin Chakre
2 min readJan 7, 2024

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Introduction :

Hello, my dear reader! Today we’re going to talk about something big. No, not the latest episode of your favorite reality show.

We’re talking about BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) in your career. Yes, you read it right, hairy. But don’t worry, no razors needed here. 😂

What’s a BHAG? 🤔

A BHAG (pronounced ‘Bee-Hag’ — sounds like a mythical creature, doesn’t it?) is a long-term goal that changes the very nature of a business’ existence. Jim Collins and Jerry Porras coined this term in their book, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.”

But wait, why should businesses have all the fun? We can apply this concept to our careers too!

Why Should You Have a BHAG? 🧐

Having a BHAG is like having a North Star ⭐ guiding you through your career journey. It gives you a clear direction and a sense of purpose. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at parties.

Imagine saying, “My BHAG is to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.” Now, that’s a statement that will make heads turn!

How to Set a BHAG? 📝

Setting a BHAG isn’t as easy as ordering pizza 🍕 (I wish!). Here are a few steps to help you:

  1. Dream Big: Think of what you want to achieve in the next 10–25 years. Yes, it’s a long time, almost as long as waiting for the next season of your favorite TV series.
  2. Make it Specific: Saying “I want to be successful” is as vague as my understanding of quantum physics. Be specific about what you want to achieve.
  3. Ensure it’s Aligned: Your BHAG should align with your skills, interests, and values. If you’re afraid of heights, aiming to be an astronaut might not be the best idea.
  4. Write it Down: Write your BHAG down and stick it somewhere you can see every day. It’s like a love note, but from you to you.

Examples of BHAGs 🏆

Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing:

  • Become the youngest partner in your law firm.
  • Start a company that revolutionize the tech industry.
  • Win the Nobel prize in Literature.

Remember, your BHAG should scare you a little (or a lot). If it doesn’t, it’s not big or hairy enough!

Wrapping Up 🎁

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about setting a BHAG for your career.

Remember, the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning. So go ahead, dream big, set your BHAG, and let the adventure begin!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to work on my own BHAG — becoming a guide to infinity!! . Wish me luck! 🍀

Happy BHAG-ing!

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