Why Stretch Goals Matter: Lessons from My 7-Month-Old Son

As a parent, I can attest that raising a child is a constant learning experience. My son Harold, who is now seven months old, has recently mastered sitting up and is now trying to figure out how to move around on the ground. This morning, while watching him try to reach for a toy just out of his reach, I realized something pertinent to careers – the importance of stretch goals.

Stretch goals are goals that are challenging and require effort and growth to achieve. They are not easy, but the end result is a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. If we constantly settle for goals that are within our comfort zone, we may feel satisfied, but we won’t be fulfilled.

Harold was trying to reach for a block that was just a hair out of his reach. I almost handed it to him, but then I realized that this was his chance to achieve something. It would take some effort, discomfort, and frustration, but the end product would be a sense of accomplishment.

The same applies to careers. It is essential to set stretch goals, but it is equally important not to stretch too far. If I pulled the block 12 feet away from Harold, he would be frustrated and sad. The same is true when we set goals that are unrealistic or unattainable.

It is important to set stretch goals that are beneficial to both parties. As employees, we should set our own goals, not let our employer dictate them. Annual goals should be beneficial to both employee and employer, and supervisors use goals to train and correct actions. Ultimately, this is our process, and we should take ownership of it.

One popular method for setting goals is the SMART framework – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Here’s how you can use the SMART framework to set and achieve your stretch goals:

1. Bring out your personal mission statement or write down what matters most to you in all areas of your life.
2. Set a HUGE goal for each of those areas. For example, if fitness matters to you, you could set a goal to run a marathon in ten months.
3. Set stretch goals to achieve the huge goal. In the case of running a marathon, the first stretch goal could be to start a run/walk program.
4. Set a date for each stretch goal. Dates matter.
5. Communicate the dates with someone who can keep you accountable.
6. Boil down the goals list to fit into your execution system.
7. Execute the plan.
8. Schedule goal reviews every month and adjust the plan accordingly.
9. Celebrate goal milestones reached.

This framework can be applied whether you are self-employed, unemployed, or over-employed. It fits into all areas of our lives, and it empowers us to take control of our growth and development.

Harold eventually reached the block and was thrilled. His celebration of achieving his goal and moving on to his next goal, a stuffed cat named Cowboy Kitty, is a reminder that celebrating small wins is essential for sustained growth.

In conclusion, setting stretch goals is important for career growth and development. It requires effort, discomfort, and growth, but the end result is a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. It is up to us to take ownership of our growth process and set goals that are beneficial to us and our employers. Let’s celebrate small wins along the way and keep moving towards our next goal.