Stretch goals can feel scary. Want to know what my scariest stretch goal is?
It’s not the revenue goal for my business. Or writing a book. Or reaching out to people I don’t know.
Hand-to-heart honest, it’s keeping a plant alive. 🌱
When I saw the little “What I’m manifesting” card in a shop, I had to buy it.
I have exactly one plant, purchased last fall after my other one plant died. The woman at the store swore to me I can keep it alive. I bought it with trepidation.
So I’m manifesting that sh*t, and setting it as a stretch goal. It’s a stretch because I keep zero plants alive.
Why do we shy away from stretch goals, for ourselves and for our businesses?
- Fear of the Unknown: Uncharted territory can leave us feeling vulnerable. We prefer familiar ground, where we feel greater certainty and control.
- Risk of Failure: No one likes the idea of failing. Stretch goals come with the possibility we might not make it, and that fear can hold us back from even trying.
- Looking Incompetent: When we take on goals outside our comfort zone, there’s a risk of feeling inadequate. We fear judgment from peers and colleagues.
For me and my plant, risk of failure and looking incompetent are very real possibilities.
For me and my business, it’s the fear of the unknown and risk of failure that can hold me back.
But here’s something to think about: avoiding stretch goals means missing out on growth.
Here’s how to tackle your fear head-on:
- Acknowledge Your Fear: Name the fears you have about stretch goals. Naming it takes away its power, and gives the power back to you.
- Break Down the Goal: Pull it apart into smaller, manageable tasks to build confidence.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is progress–recognize and celebrate these moments of success. 🎉
- Reflect and Learn: Mistakes–and failure–are part of the journey. Use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Here’s how to tackle your fear head-on:
- Acknowledge Your Fear: Name the fears you have about stretch goals. Naming it takes away its power, and gives the power back to you.
- Break Down the Goal: Pull it apart into smaller, manageable tasks to build confidence.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is progress–recognize and celebrate these moments of success. 🎉
- Reflect and Learn: Mistakes–and failure–are part of the journey. Use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
For me and my plant, I have a reminder to water it every 3 weeks. I celebrate every month it’s still alive. If it dies, I’ll try again. Maybe with an air plant.
For me and my business, I talk about my fears with my coach and husband. I break my goals into manageable parts and treat myself when I have a win. And when I don’t, I try not to spin on it, and instead stop and learn.
Remember, stretch goals (like stretch roles I wrote about a few posts ago) are going to feel uncomfortable. Set them anyway. The growth you’ll experience is worth the risk.
So is my plant. 🌱
Looking to increase the cohesion, trust, and impact of your leadership team? Reach out and let’s discuss The Compass Team Experience and how I can help.
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