Aim Big, Fail Hard: Why Unrealistic Goals Are the Secret to Ultimate Success

As we step into 2025, SmartWolf Consulting is embracing three words to define the year: Unrealistic, Unshakable, Failure. These principles form the foundation for not just navigating the year ahead but redefining how goals are set and achieved in the automotive sales sector and beyond. By setting what some might call "impossible" goals, we are forcing ourselves to push harder, think bigger, and truly explore the upper limits of what we can accomplish.

Why Goals Matter

Goals are the roadmap for growth, focus, and achievement. But too often, people and businesses set goals that feel comfortable—the kind they know they can achieve. While this approach might deliver a sense of accomplishment, it fails to unlock the true potential within teams and individuals. By aiming higher—even to the point of risking failure—we create an environment of relentless effort, innovation, and adaptation.

Research supports this approach. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that stretch goals—those that push organizations beyond their perceived limits—often lead to breakthroughs. Though these goals come with higher failure rates, they also result in innovative solutions, increased resilience, and a more engaged workforce.

SmartWolf Consulting’s Unrealistic Goals for 2025

For 2025, SmartWolf Consulting has set three ambitious targets:

1. Secure 100 dealers to adopt the Street Smarts Academy – A bold initiative to transform dealerships by investing in their people and used car operations.
2. Attract 3-4 clients for the SmartWolf Experience – An all-in-one, deeply immersive program designed to generate a combined $20 million in incremental gross profits for our clients.
3. Achieve a Top 5 Automotive Podcast – Elevating the "Street Smarts" podcast to one of the most influential platforms in the automotive space.

These goals are intentionally set to demand exceptional effort, flawless execution, and even a bit of luck. More importantly, they are designed to foster growth through failure.

Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Growth

Why aim so high that failure is almost inevitable? Because failure is the cheapest and most effective way to learn and improve. Each misstep provides actionable insights: Was the goal too ambitious for the timeframe? Where did we fall short? What can we do better next time?

In the automotive industry, this mindset is critical. Dealerships often play it safe with conservative targets and incremental strategies. This cautious approach may avoid risk, but it also limits potential. By adopting "unrealistic" goals, dealerships can unlock:

• Greater Innovation: When the status quo won’t suffice, teams are forced to think creatively to overcome challenges.
• Enhanced Team Engagement: Big goals inspire big efforts. Employees are more motivated when working toward a shared, transformative vision.
• Long-Term Growth: Even if the ultimate goal isn’t reached, the progress made often exceeds what would have been achieved with a safer target.

Why Unrealistic Goals Work in Automotive Sales

The automotive sales sector is ripe for disruption. As consumer expectations evolve, dealerships must innovate not only in their operations but also in the customer experience they deliver. Here’s how aiming higher can reshape the industry:

1. Transforming Customer Experience Unrealistic goals force dealerships to rethink how they interact with customers. Instead of focusing solely on short-term profits, they invest in creating exceptional experiences that foster loyalty and long-term relationships.
2. Driving Operational Excellence Achieving ambitious goals requires streamlined processes, advanced technology, and well-trained teams. These improvements not only help reach the goal but also set the foundation for sustained success.
3. Building Brand Equity Bold initiatives stand out. Dealerships that aim high become known for their vision and leadership, attracting both customers and top-tier talent.

The Danger of Playing It Safe

Too often, dealerships stick to "safe" goals, avoiding risk and the possibility of failure. This mindset stifles growth. In a rapidly changing market, being overly cautious can lead to stagnation, missed opportunities, and eventual irrelevance.

For example, a dealership aiming to grow sales by 5% may succeed, but the growth is marginal and unlikely to create a significant competitive advantage. Conversely, a dealership striving for 50% growth might "fail" by reaching only 30%. Yet, this "failure" results in far greater progress than the "success" of a 5% target.

The Path Forward: Push Beyond Comfort

To truly thrive, dealerships and businesses must:

• Set Audacious Goals: Push beyond what feels possible. These goals should challenge every part of the organization.
• Embrace Failure: Redefine failure as a learning opportunity, not a setback.
• Inspire Teams: Communicate the vision and rally everyone around it. Success is a collective effort.

At SmartWolf Consulting, we’ve committed to this approach. We believe in the power of unrealistic goals to drive unshakable determination and embrace failure as a stepping stone to greatness. By doing so, we’re not just growing our own business—we’re transforming the way dealerships operate and compete.

Closing Thoughts

If you want to achieve something extraordinary, you have to be willing to aim for the extraordinary—even if it means failing along the way. As 2025 unfolds, let’s reject comfort and embrace the challenge of what’s possible. Because in the end, it’s not the goals you hit that define you—it’s the effort, growth, and impact you achieve while reaching for them.

So, let’s aim high, fail hard, and redefine success together. The future of the automotive industry depends on it.

Take Action with SmartWolf Consulting

Ready to embrace the power of unrealistic goals? Visit SmartWolf Consulting to learn how we can help you transform your dealership’s operations and outcomes. Explore the Street Smarts Academy and Genius Group at AutoStreetSmarts and take the first step toward reshaping your business.

Check out our podcast, Street Smarts Powered by SmartWolf, available on multiple platforms:

• YouTube: SmartWolf Consulting YouTube Channel
• Apple Podcasts: Street Smarts on Apple Podcasts
• Spotify: Street Smarts on Spotify
• Amazon Music: Street Smarts on Amazon Music
• AutoStreetSmarts: Street Smarts Podcast

Want more information on our FREE training series or hiring techniques? Text STREETS or HIRE to 775-640-9653 and start transforming your dealership today!