The Why and How of Stretch Goals🏃🏻‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️

In business, stretch goals are deliberately difficult objectives meant to boost a team’s performance. But to explain why they’re so valuable and beneficial, I’ll draw a parallel to exercise using a personal example:

Every now and then, when I feel like I haven’t been getting enough exercise lately and I want to push myself to get back into the habit of working out, I like to go on a long jog. My favourite route is a round trip along a local lake.

The length of the route and the fact that it’s circular is what makes it ideal for me. I start to get pretty tired about half way through, but giving up at that point wouldn’t make any sense - I’d still have to get back to the exit point to be able to go home.

This route in particular forces me to push myself - and that’s what I love about it. That’s what makes it satisfying. Goals that are easy to achieve are seldom (if ever) as satisfying as those that are difficult - that you really have to work for.

I’m always tired at the end of that jog. My legs hurt, I’m probably out of breath, and yet, I feel great! And it gives me a lasting boost of energy and a desire to work out again. It’s not so difficult that I feel like I’m going to pass out or get sick, and it’s definitely not too difficult to complete.

With most targets, whether they are personal or professional, there is a perfect sweet spot somewhere in-between “too easy” and “too painful” that motivates you to get started and see it through all the way.

That motivation comes from the fact that your target is probably doable but it won’t be easy. And often, our best, most satisfying results wait for us in that sweet spot.

Until next week,

Cata