How to Achieve Long-Term Vision and Increased Motivation by Setting BHAGs
Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) are bold, compelling, and far-reaching goals that inspire and challenge us to think big. Setting BHAGs can significantly increase motivation and provide a long-term vision for our endeavors.
The Power of BHAGs
The concept of BHAGs was introduced by business consultants Jim Collins and Jerry Porras in their book “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.”
According to Collins and Porras, BHAGs are meant to be ambitious and visionary, pushing individuals and organizations to achieve extraordinary results. Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that setting challenging, audacious goals can lead to higher levels of performance and motivation .
Our Approach to Setting BHAGs
Here’s how we set BHAGs:
- Aim High — Set goals that are ambitious and challenging. Think about what would truly inspire and motivate you. For example, if you’re a writer, your BHAG might be to publish a best-selling novel.
- Be Specific — Clearly define what you want to achieve. Specificity helps turn a bold vision into a tangible goal. Instead of a vague goal like “become successful,” specify “launch a startup that revolutionizes the renewable energy industry.”
- Stay Committed — Maintain focus and dedication to reach your BHAGs. Commitment is crucial, as these goals are typically long-term and require sustained effort. Develop a plan and stick to it, adjusting as needed but always keeping the end goal in sight.
Benefits We’ve Experienced
By setting BHAGs, we’ve noticed several positive changes:
- We stay inspired and driven by bold goals. The ambitious nature of BHAGs keeps us excited and focused on our vision.
- Long-Term Vision — We develop a clear and compelling vision for the future. BHAGs provide direction and purpose, guiding our efforts over the long term.
Books That Complement This Practice
To deepen our understanding and enhance our practice of setting BHAGs, here are some books we highly recommend:
- “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies” by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras: Introduces the concept of BHAGs and provides insights into setting and achieving audacious goals.
- “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t” by Jim Collins: Explores the factors that contribute to extraordinary success, including the role of ambitious goals.
- “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz: Encourages readers to think big and set ambitious goals to achieve greater success.
An App That Can Help
To support this practice, we use an app designed for personal growth and habit tracking. This app contains growth hacks and tracking tools that can save you up to 5000 hours by guiding you to focus on high-impact activities and setting BHAGs without needing to read numerous books. Just act on the guidance provided.
👉 Download the app for Personal Growth and Habit tracking on Appstore
👉 Download the app for Personal Growth and Habit tracking on Google play
FAQ
Q: How do I ensure my BHAGs are realistic yet ambitious?
A: While BHAGs should be ambitious, grounding them in your core competencies and long-term vision helps ensure they are attainable. Break down the big goal into smaller, manageable milestones.
Q: Can this method help with both personal and professional goals?
A: Yes, BHAGs are effective for both personal and professional objectives. They provide a framework for achieving significant, long-term success in any area of life.
Q: Do we need any special tools to practice this method?
A: A journal or a notes app works well for recording your BHAGs and tracking progress. Using an app can provide structured guidance and reminders.
Final Thoughts
Setting BHAGs is a powerful way to achieve increased motivation and a long-term vision. By aiming high, being specific, and staying committed, you can push yourself to achieve extraordinary results. Try incorporating BHAGs into your goal-setting routine and see how they can help you achieve your most ambitious objectives.
