Early Stage Startups

Big Hairy Audacious Goals

And how to set them on day 1

Key Points:

1. Even when founding an early stage startup, you can set a 30-year BHAG for your business or personal life by thinking of the most daunting, exciting aspiration you can imagine and breaking it down into daily, weekly, and monthly goals
2. Reflect on, revise, and refine your BHAG as you go. Does it stimulate forward progress and create momentum? Does it inspire you and those around you? Is it so intimidating that someone could say it can’t be done?
3. Like starting at the bottom of a million step staircase, each little step will take you closer to your ultimate goal. Stay positive and accomplish something meaningful to you each day and eventually you will reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

Originally conceptualized in James Collins and Jerry Porras’ book, Built to Last, Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) are a key aspect of how I motivate myself to make progress each and every day. They usually require at least a 10-year commitment — with some reaching as high as 30-years down the line. As an early stage startup, how can you set a 30-year goal given all the uncertainty? As an entrepreneur, how can BHAGs propel your personal and professional aspirations?