How high do you set your personal and business standards?  In my mastermind group we determined that we all set the bar pretty high for ourselves and we are committed to reaching and exceeding our own goals and performance standards.  Each of us has been an entrepreneur for several years and have each enjoyed many successes.  We also set the bar high when we were in school and in our prior careers.  As a successful mastermind group that has been together for 3 years our commitment to each other’s success is a testament of our high standards.  Our mastermind provides a solid, safe place to face our fears, brainstorm ideas and celebrate our successes.  In order to achieve our goals and dreams, each member of our group sets business and personal goals that will move us 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 paramenters.  John Miller wrote about the conflict between stretch goals and smart goals in his blog.  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 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!

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