You Are Thinking Too Small

Daniel Wade

How big are your dreams? Do you think we ever unknowingly limit ourselves regarding our own potential, or the heights we can reach? When considering that new product, strategy or external launch, do we borderline on the “big hairy audacious goals” proposed by James Collins and Jerry Porras or settle for the “11 percent year-over-year increase” type of thinking?

It’s not often that I get my mind truly blown, but it happened recently. You wouldn’t know it from the make, model or mileage of what I have sitting in the parking lot, but I’m sort of a closet car guy. My perspective was recently redefined courtesy of a generous client who took a colleague and I for a spin in his new wheels. Those new wheels were propelled not by a roaring, supercharged engine, but by two smaller, much more efficient electric motors that sit on top of the front and rear chassis of the car. It’s a car that silently and effortlessly launches passengers from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds – faster than your neighbor’s Corvette or the newest Porsche on the lot. (And that’s not even the top model.)

Yes, I’m talking about a Tesla – the 100 percent electric car seeking to change the face of the auto industry. I’m not sure if that’s Tesla’s BHAG, but it might just as well be. (Side note: Watch this Tesla S coolly wipe a Dodge Viper SRT-10 off the track in the quarter-mile race. You’re welcome.) 

An Actual Tesla Key

The innovations and efficiencies of this automaker seem to know no bounds. A Tesla boasts a 17-inch touchscreen on the center dash that pretty much controls the car (think drag and drop to open the sunroof). The door handles retract into the body of the car until the car’s key – a Hot Wheels-type replica of the actual car – is in close enough proximity to automatically extend. It would take multiple blog posts to cover the soon-to-be released auto-steering feature and to brainstorm ideas for what to put in the “fronk” (remember the car has no engine) – all wrapped up in a six-figure package that is rated five stars by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

But how did we get here? Incredible amounts of science, technology and innovation, yes; but weren’t there also initial “out-of-the-box” or BHAG-types of ideas and goals that drove Tesla’s founders to this place? These guys weren’t simply thinking of how to design a prettier, faster car; they channeled a revolutionary concept and went after it. Feasible for you and me? Answer that question the way you always have, and you’ll continue to get the same result. Elevate your dreams and goals to levels not yet considered. and you might just reach them.

How to Quit Quitting

Kerri Guyton

I have a secret; I’m a reformed quitter. 

Growing up, I was one of those kids who would quit the game once it was obvious I was going to lose. I quit taking piano lessons the minute my mom gave me permission. (After seven years of forced lessons and practices, she thought for sure that by the time I was old enough to make my own decision I would happily continue, but no, I had other things I wanted to try.) I would quit anything that appeared I wouldn’t be good at, like golf. The first time I ever played golf, I made it to Hole 9, and that was it for me. 

I even took this quitting methodology into my early adult years by quitting my first job to become a stay-at-home mom, only to quit that two years later and go back to my old job. A few other jobs in my resume show that, for a while, I was on a quitting spree – leaving one opportunity for another. 

Honestly, life’s circumstances often spurred these changes more than my desires did in those early years, but I’ve come to realize that I am prone to consider quitting when things aren’t working or are harder than expected. While this is embarrassing to confess, just making this admission has helped me on my journey to quit all this quitting.

Here are a few other tips I’m happy to share with others who may have the quitting bug:

Adopt a Mantra

Come up with a saying - or borrow a motivational quote or inspirational Bible verse – that you can use to keep yourself going when times get tough and you think you hear the fat lady singing. Personally, I use “God brought me to it, and He will bring me through it.” This helps me remember that whatever “it” is that I’ve got on my plate at the moment – my job duties, my family responsibilities, my personal commitments – I was brought to them for a reason, and I have the knowledge, skills and abilities to complete the mission, which brings me to my next point.

Set Your Sights on the Purpose 

Remember why you took that job, accepted that chairman position, joined that committee or volunteered to lead that event. No job, position or experience turns out exactly as we thought it would. Most of the time, we find out that a job is harder than expected or that others’ expectations are different than we thought. Regardless, keeping a mindset of accomplishing the purpose of the role will help you make it through to the finish line. At this stage of my life, an established, long-term career is what I want most for myself; that’s why I’m staying put at Obsidian. At the same time, I stay busy outside of the office volunteering at activities for my children because I’m committed to being an engaged mother.

Chart Goals and Milestones to Meet

By setting goals to accomplish and milestones to meet before calling it quits, you not only eliminate the spontaneity of being able to walk away, but you also help guide yourself toward achieving the purposes for each adventure. Make a vow to grow your organization’s membership to a certain number before stepping down as chairman, and leave a legacy. Resolve to put in a specific number of years with your company before looking elsewhere for better opportunities. During that time, you may be introduced to opportunities you couldn’t have predicted. 

Just DON’T Do It

I’m borrowing – and purposely altering – the famous Nike slogan here. But seriously, just as Nike encourages you to step out and “just do it,” I encourage you, with the same enthusiasm, to just don’t quit. Keep at it. Get through it. Grow. Mature. Learn. You may find that after passing that fleeting moment of throwing your hands up, you will experience an overwhelming high of determination and drive that’s so invigorating you just can’t help but keep going – and keep succeeding!