Most people, generally rely more on their knowledge rather than on their instincts and imagination.
Our knowledge sets mental barriers that tend to limit what we can achieve. Our knowledge is usually the biggest inhibitor to our achieving greatness. We limit our potential by limiting our expectations because knowledge informs us what we cannot do or achieve.
If we allow our imagination to inspire us, then permit our instinct to guide us and knowledge to steer us we can easily surprise ourselves by exceeding our expectations.
In my organisations, I have always set 'stretch goals' for our organisation and team members and in my personal life with myself and my family.
A stretch target is where I usually set an annual achievement target at 120% of what would be considered the achievable target. And over a decade set a quantum leap target.
I have discovered that more often than not we do not hit the 120% level target but we inevitably exceed 100%.
Stretch targets cannot be imposed upon others. Targets have to be sold to team members by a combination of demands, logic, seduction, a healthy dose of motivation and support.
This ‘stretch target’ if accepted makes demands upon us to improvise, innovate and tear down barriers to efficiency and productivity and compels us to seek better teamwork etc.
So encourage and push your children, your team members, your managers and yourself to achieve more than you or they think can currently be achieved. The results will most likely surprise you and also everyone else.
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