“A true BHAG is clear and compelling, serves as unifying focal point of effort, and acts as a clear catalyst for team spirit. It has a clear finish line, so the organization can know when it has achieved the goal; people like to shoot for finish lines.”

—Collins and Porras, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies

A BHAG is a strategic business statement which is created to focus an organization on a single medium-long term organization-wide goal. However, it has the ability to spark thoughts on setting goals in our personal lives as well.

This past weekend I ran the Monument Ave. 10K in Richmond, VA with 3 very good friends and 39,000 other friends. Participants ranged from never completing a race to those who have not run a race in years to those who participate in several races a year from 5K’s to marathons (26.2 miles). No matter which group people fell into, they all had one major thing in common. Everyone set a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (although for some it was more audacious than others). We had a clear finish line. For me, this was the 1st of 4 goals I have set for this year in terms of races. My BHAGs for this year are as follows:
April 13th – Monument Ave. 10K (6 miles) in Richmond, VA

May 19th – Marine Corp Historic Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in Fredericksburg, VA

Sept. 22nd – Adirondack Distance Festival Marathon (26.2 miles) in Schroon Lake, NY

Nov. 16th – Anthem Richmond Marathon (26.2 miles) in Richmond, VA

In the week leading up to the 10k I had an injury that could have kept me from reaching the first of my four goals. I had a muscle tear in the back of my left hip which caused a tremendous amount of pain in my back, hip and into the outside side and front of my left leg. Utilizing acupuncture, my TENS machine, good old fashioned ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medication, I was able to run the 10K on Saturday. One thing I kept thinking about all week was if I missed this race, I would not have a chance to hit my 4-race Big Hairy Audacious Goal for the the year. So I did everything I could to make sure I was healthy enough to run the race and not do more harm. My friends and I saw the finish line and we proudly crossed it.

So to you I ask, what is your Big Hairy Audacious Goal? Have you set one for the year yet? What about the next few months or just this month or this week? Take the time and set some S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-targeted). Do you strive to be better, stronger, faster, healthier, etc.?

Today I challenge you to set some goals. Make sure they are measurable and you have a clear finish line. Mark it on the calendar and circle it with bright, vivid colors. Set your plan of attack and go after it.

What is your Big Hairy Audacious Goal?