Don’t set big goals. Big goals keep you small.
I know that’s not what you hear from many, but here at the Alchemist Entrepreneur we’ve learned that the herd is usually wrong. And every now and then they run themselves off a cliff.
Also, we’re practical. And big goals don’t work. Even when clothed in charming corpora-babble and called a BHAG – big goals keep you where you are.
For years I followed the classic advice and set big goals. And it was during those same years that I found myself spinning my wheels. And whenever someone shares their really big goal with enthusiasm and faith – I know the wine in their cask has some maturation to go through.
What does help you move fast in the direction you want is a little secret prescription called “Rapid Growth Through the Optimization of Greed.”
Sounds sinister, I know. But that’s because most people assume that greed is evil.
But is it?
The ancient Jewish sages observed that “He who has 100 wants 200.”
That’s brilliant because in one simple statement they’ve described the reality of human nature and also prescribed a process for growth.
They didn’t say “He who has 100 wants 1,000,000.” That would simply be stating the obvious: People want more.
They also didn’t say “He who has 100 wants 110.” That would have lacked the powerful prescription I’m about to spell out for you.
We humans are wired to want more. To be more. To create more. Wanting more is neither good nor bad. It is what you make of it.
Who doesn’t want to win the lottery? Instant riches. The ability to do what you want. When you want. With people you love and care about.
We imagine that more is always better. But the statistics of lottery winners and those who inherit sudden wealth are pretty grim.
More money is only better when anchored to more maturity.
Why big goals don’t work.
Big goals don’t work because you don’t really believe you can achieve them. And so our Tragic Hero says “I’m going to earn a million dollars this year.” But it is so far out, that he doesn’t have a clue how to make it happen.
A goal without a simple, clear-cut plan, a process, for its achievement is a mere fantasy.
And “fantasy goals” take a very tangible toll.
Since he doesn’t really know what to do, and lacks the true belief that he can achieve it, he’s afraid to act. This non-action (busyness is not action) erodes his self confidence. Which further increases his fear. So he doesn’t invest in himself and in his ideas. He says “When I get results, then I’ll invest.” But the way of the world is “When you sow, you’ll have something to reap.”
Without the guidance of a mentor and without the requisite tools, nor a clear plan for how to get to the 1,000,000, our Tragic Hero stays stuck.
He starts with 100. And he remains with 100. Such is the fate of “He who has 100 and wants 1,000,000.”
The secret prescription for Rapid Growth Through the Optimization of Greed:
Now let’s look at our Triumphant Hero – the person who has 100. And all he wants is 200.
He honestly knows it’s attainable. He also may not know exactly how. But he knows that if he commits to it fully, eventually, he’ll figure it out.
He’ll seek out and hire mentor. He’ll invest in training. He’ll make sure he has the tools – the ingredients to bake a 200 cake.
Sure, he is afraid. But fear is part of growth. And it’s a different fear. He acts in the face of this fear. He builds a real plan. And every step he implements builds his confidence.
Pretty soon he’s at 200. He’s grown. He’s more mature, too.
And here’s the magic – now he wants 400!
Our Triumphant Hero repeats the process. And before long, he’s at 1,000,000.
And that’s the Secret Prescription for Rapid Growth Through the Optimization of Greed.
Be careful who you share this with. Most won’t understand. They’re looking for something flashy and this sure ain’t flashy.
But if you ‘got’ what I’m sharing, hold it tight and live it. And as you ascend from 200 to 400, and from 1600 to 3200, you’ll attract other Triumphant Heros who are earlier in their journey. And they’ll be grateful for your wisdom.
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Looking for more guidance? Go here and request a free “Consistent Flow of Clients” chat with me or someone on my team.
