If there’s one thing we know about goals, they have to be SMART, right? After all, that’s what we’ve been told for years. The only thing that matters is that your goals are specific, measure-able, attainable, realistic, and timely. When it comes to Goal Setting for Entrepreneurs, SMART goals may not help you grow your business, but they can help you maintain your business.
What do I mean don’t use SMART goals?
I take lots of walks and on my walks, I run into many of the same individuals, one gentleman I occasionally get to chat with used to work for G.E. (General Electric) under Jack Welch. My walking buddy usually asked me about my business and how things are going. I said, “Honestly, business is fine but not growing like I would like.”
He said, “Are you setting SMART Goals for your business?”
I said, “Well yes, actually I do set SMART Goals each year.”
“There’s your problem, we found that SMART goals work but not for all departments of GE. Production departments work great with SMART goals but not creative departments like marketing.”
“Hmmm, that’s interesting. What works better for those creative types?”
“We had to come up with STRETCH goals for those creative folks.”
“Can you give me an example of a STRETCH Goal?
“Sure, basically we’d ask the departments to come up with SMART Goals and then we’d ask them to DREAM bigger. You see they knew exactly what they could do in the past so that’s what they would put down for their department. They didn’t want to be penalized for going too big with their goals.”
“I LOVE that! I must set DREAMY Goals!”
I implemented DREAM goals shortly after that conversation with my friend and started envisioning what I really wanted for myself and my business. Today, I am living in my dream home closer to the beach.
SMART Goals work for some but It’s Better to DREAM BIG when Goal Setting for Entrepreneurs
SMART goals look great on paper—and clearly, they are easy to remember—it doesn’t go far enough for those of us who want to achieve big things.
Think about it. Do you want to be stuck with “attainable” and “realistic” goals when what you really dream about is a 3-day workweek, frequent beach travel, and enough money to fund a mission trip (or three). Seems pretty clear that those safe, SMART goals aren’t going to get you there.
In fact, they might even do worse than simply “not get you there.” They may actively hold you back.
Consider what happens when you set an “attainable” goal of earning 10% more than you did last year. You might work 10% more. You might spend 10% more on ads or product creation. You might even reach out to 10% more potential clients.
And you’ll likely earn about 10% more.
“Not bad!” you say. After all, that was your goal.
But did that 10% goal inspire you to work harder? Or did it create a subconscious ceiling on your earning potential that you’re unable to break through?
Rather than focusing on goals that are attainable and realistic, savvy entrepreneurs know that the key to incredible success lies in creating big lofty goals that feel out of reach—maybe even UN-attainable.
When it comes to goal setting for entrepreneurs who dream big, we don’t strive to earn 10% more than last year. We want 50% or even 100% more. We stretch ourselves. We find new—and better—ways to do things, so they don’t have to work twice as hard, but we remain open to the possibility of doing so—at least in the short term—when it’s necessary.
Of course, you cannot simply declare crazy goals and expect someone to hand them to you. And that’s exactly why putting aside those smart goals is so…smart. When you shun the attainable in favor of the “holy cow, how will I ever do THAT?” goal, you push yourself beyond those self-imposed limits and reach for the stars.
So push your boundaries, when it comes to goal setting for entrepreneurs; Set big, DREAM goals. Even if you fail, you’ll be much further ahead than those SMART goals would leave you. You won’t regret leaving those boring SMART goals behind as you pursue your big DREAM goals instead. I encourage you to chase big exciting adventurous DREAM goals instead of boring ol’ SMART goals. Embrace the thrill of pushing your boundaries as you embark on the captivating journey of goal-setting for entrepreneurs. Instead of settling for the confines of SMART goals, dare to dream big and set your sights on ambitious, exhilarating DREAM goals that ignite your passion and set your soul on fire. In the realm of DREAM goals, we use failure as a stepping stone, not as a stumbling block. Leaving behind the mundane SMART goals, you’ll discover a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment in pursuing your daring DREAM goals.
DREAMER Goal Setting Planner for Entrepreneurs
I’ve put together a fun planner for you called the DREAMER GOAL Setting Planner for Enterpreneurs. I had some fun with this and used a Hot Air Balloon Adventure Vibe. I hope you love it! This guide will help you dream big and decide with unwavering clarity on the path you wish to pursue. You can use this guide to visualize the destination of your entrepreneurial journey, and let your dreams guide you like stars in the night sky.
Let’s dive in and explore the art of DREAM goal setting, where each milestone is a sparkling gem on the treasure map of your success!
Dream & Decide
Research Your Business Model
As we set sail, a crucial step in our journey is research. Just as a hot air balloonist would study maps and charts, you must explore and gather knowledge about your industry, target audience, and competitors.
Energized Focus
On our tropical adventure, it’s essential to harness the power of energized focus. The tropical sun of creativity will shine brightly upon your entrepreneurial endeavors, sparking innovative ideas and igniting your passion.
Stay focused on your dream goals like a captain steering the ship, and let the energy of your enthusiasm fuel your journey.
Ambitious Action
Ambitious action is the fuel that ignites your dreams, turning them into tangible achievements. Embrace a spirit of audacity and fearlessness as you embark on the next phase of your entrepreneurial endeavor. Take bold steps that stretch your boundaries and challenge your comfort zone.
Motivated Mindset: Sailing with Confidence and Resilience
Maintaining a motivated mindset requires nurturing and self-awareness. Just as the hot air balloon pilot continuously monitors the burners, be attuned to your thoughts and emotions. Surround yourself with a community of like-minded individuals who uplift and support your journey.
As you embrace a motivated mindset, stay true to your artistic vision and creative passion. Let them be the guiding stars during moments of doubt and hesitation. Harness the power of your mind to visualize the successful outcome you desire, and let it propel you towards your goals.
So, dare to dream beyond the horizon of conventionality. Embrace the thrilling uncertainty of DREAM goal setting for entrepreneurs, for in this realm of possibility, you’ll discover the magic of your potential. Trust in your capabilities and your unyielding spirit. Let go of the fear of failure, for it is the fear of missing out on your true potential that you should truly fear.
I hope you’re feeling inspired and equipped to sail toward your DREAM goals in your entrepreneurial journey. Remember, each day is a new adventure—a chance to uncover new treasures and chart a course toward your dreams.
