How high do you set your personal and business standards?  Do you really reach for the stars and take actions to realize those goals, or are you more inclined to set more attainable goals that are “realistic” and less risky?

For the most part, I set  the bar pretty high for myself  and I’m pretty committed to reaching and exceeding my goals and performance standards.  This doesn’t come without a few challenges and set-backs but I haven’t stayed in business for over 25 years by always playing it safe.

A problem is a chance for you to do your best.        Duke Ellington

Over the years I have come to realize that most successful business leaders also set their goals high, take the risks and capitalize on the opportunities which move them forward toward these lofty goals.  As a result they achieve what many believe to be exceptional successes.

A mastermind group is one place where you can connect with other high achievers.  The benefit of a mastermind group is how you can leverage the knowledge, experience and insights of other members of the group to drive your goals forward.  A mastermind can provide a solid, safe place to face your fears, brainstorm ideas and celebrate your successes.

One of my previous mastermind groups consisted of experienced entrepreneurs who had each been in business for over 5 years and were continuing to grow and develop into new areas.  This success was reflective of success they achieved while in school and in their prior careers.

Stretch to New Heights

In order to achieve your goals and dreams, each member of your group sets business and personal goals that will move you forward and allow us to grow. These are stretch goals.

Stretch goals are commonly referred to in the business world as a way to achieve more.  Stretch goals require a person or business to ambitiously extend itself  beyond what seems realistic within current parameters. 

Many years ago I read an article written by John Miller.  Miller wrote about the conflict between stretch goals and smart goals.  Here is the acronym he presented to explain how the two fit together:

“S = SMART goals that

T = teach an organization how to

R = reach higher levels of performance by

E = engaging everyone in

T = testing hypotheses through

C = cross-functional cooperation

H = in a humane fashion.”

Setting the bar high should be reflected in your performance as well.  Is the quality of the product you offer your customers reflective of your standards?  Continuous quality improvement will

Image compliments of David Castillo-Dominici | www.freedigitalphotos.net

occur when you continually reassess current systems, standards and outcomes and then set the bar higher.  Rejig to keep things current, and to maintain quality and performance — it also keeps life challenging and interesting!

You must accept that you might fail; then, if you do your best and still don’t win, at least you can be satisfied that you’ve tried. If you don’t accept failure as a possibility, you don’t set high goals, you don’t branch out, you don’t try – you don’t take the risk.      Rosalynn Carter

Elevating operations, goals, expectations and deliverables takes planning and dedicated effort.  A Coach or Mentor or Mastermind Group can help make you stretch and achieve your goals by keeping you accountable.   A VIP Day Strategy Session is another great way to gain clarity, stretch your goals and create the action plan you can implement immediately to reap the rewards of your vision.

I challenge you to raise the bar in business and your own life and reap the rewards that follow.

Catherine Rocheleau is a Leadership & Change Strategist and the Founder & CEO of Ignite Leadership International.  We empower professionals and business owners to illuminate the excellence within themselves, their team and organization through team dynamics, communication and leadership.  When you engage others business is more productive, profitable and your team is happier and more motivated.

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