I’m talking about BHAG, your Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal, as coined by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their book, Built To Last.
Let’s look at some BHAG parameters, according to the authors:
- A BHAG should be so clear and compelling that it requires little or no explanation…. If it doesn’t get your juices going then it’s just not a BHAG.
- A BHAG should fall well outside the comfort zone. You should have reason to believe you can pull it off, yet it should require heroic effort and perhaps even a little luck…
- A BHAG should be so bold and exciting in its own right that it would continue to stimulate progress even if the organization’s leaders disappeared before it had been completed…
- A BHAG should be consistent with your core ideology.
- BHAGs have a long time frame.
The other day, I had an epiphany. My current BHAG is simply not big enough and/or too far off to keep me motivated.
My plan was to lay low the first half of the year–no spring marathon–but some shorter distances and duathlons. Ideally I’d rest up, restore, lose some weight, and come out swinging in spring. I’d build mileage in time to start a more aggressive marathon training plan for a fall marathon or three, culminating in a BHAG PR. Sounds good right?
Except I’m bored.
There I said it. Blame it on lack of sunlight, frostbite, carb deprivation, whatever, my motivation is flagging. Then I feel guilty for being bored when I should be thanking my lucky stars I don’t have to bust out 20 milers in the tundra like I did the past two years.
I knew I hit bottom this morning when I:
Cleaned out the fridge
And the pantry
And did a clandestine toy purge
…all before finally getting my workout done. This amount of cleaning may seem normal to you but let me assure it’s highly irregular behavior around here. If I had a true BHAG on the horizon, the workout would have been my top priority.
Yes I’m training for a half I’ve run four times before (March Madness). It’s a challenging, merciless race that, if not properly trained, will huuuurt….but I’ve BTDT.
In 20/20 hindsight I’m kicking myself for not signing up for a trek through Nepal a new race in some exotic warm locale.
I think some goal tweaking is in order.
To be continued.
What’s your BHAG?
How do you keep your running fresh?
How do you revive flagging motivation?
