Why you should make your goals bigger and scarier.

By Jo Knight Dutkewich: THE Introverts Leadership Coach & facilitator of the 12 week group coaching program The Introvert Advantage. The next cohort starts May 23rd 2024

Growing up I always thought I would be a sculptor or psychologist. Either that or Patrick Swayze's Johnny from Dirty Dancing would eventually tire of Jennifer Greys Baby and come sweep me off my feet. For the longest time I thought my vocation as a Business and Leadership coach was diametrically opposed to my arty, cerebral childhood dreams. Recently I have come to realize that I grew up to be a sculpture after all. A sculpture of goals, visions, intentions and potential. I also married a man with a deep voice, north American accent and piercing eyes who dances to his own tune. Turns out I also got "Swayzied" after all.

So where am I going with this tenuous of tenuous of links? Let me explain. Had I have not succumbed to societal and financial pressures and set my sights on a big bold corporate leadership and then business consulting career I would have lost out on so many strategic byproducts that lead me back to who I really am but better.

I wanted to talk to you a little about the power of having big, scary goals. Impossible goals some call them (not me, I'm an optimist but some do).

You see, the thing I love most about setting and attempting to achieve our wildest dream goals isn’t whether we actually “do” or not. Oh, no my friends, that is the least of the story. The true benefits are those that stack up along the way. Those often unexpected rewards we gather beyond the primary objective. These ancillary benefits, or strategic byproducts, play a pivotal role in shaping our journey and personal growth. Let me give you some examples:?

1. Better Time Management Skills

When tackling significant undertakings like launching a startup, we inherently develop superior time management abilities whether we want to or not! Through prioritization, delegation, and workflow optimization, we efficiently allocate resources to maximize productivity. When we have to get after our scary, hairy goals in between kids, bills, and keeping up with Succession (I have seen it thrice; obsessed!) we have to learn to time block and honor our time commitments to ourselves.

2. Expanded Network and Connections

I know, I know we hate this bit but bare with me. Networking doesn’t have to be icky. Ok, for us it might always be “ick adjacent” but relationships and connections are where it is at. When our goals force us to engage with stakeholders, mentors, and communities we expand our networks in ways we could not have expected. Connections forged during this journey can offer valuable insights, collaborations, and future opportunities.

3. Increased Resilience and Adaptability

Those who know me will know I loathe the word “resiliency” (it’s overused and toxic adjacent) but until I come up with a better one I will go with it. Pursuing your giant goals will mean failure, rejection, disappointment, self doubt, shame, guilt, anger and jealousy; often. Although these emotions are simply vibrations in the body, your nervous system, left to its own devices, will tell you that death is near. It’s not - but nervous systems are called that for a reason. I always tell people you will be forced to come face to face with yourself when striving for more; the good, the bad and the ugly.? Anticipating and overcoming obstacles fosters growth, equipping us with the fortitude to self regulate and pivot with the same gumption that comes over Popeye when he eats his spinach.

4. Enhanced Problem-Solving Abilities

Navigating the complexities of ambitious endeavors requires adept problem-solving skills. We learn to analyze situations, devise effective solutions, and make informed decisions, hone our critical thinking capabilities and protect our boundaries when we have no other option..

5. Increased Self-Confidence and Self-Efficacy

As introverts, tooting our own horn can make us feel like we immediately need to shower. When we wade through the quagmire and river of misery that is personal mastery- we gain a sense of accomplishment and confidence in our abilities and badassery. Milestones achieved and obstacles overcome reinforce a belief in our capacity to tackle future challenges by taking names and kicking ass.

6. Personal Growth and Development

Going after “impossible” goals necessitates being? dragged out of comfort zones. There is no greater way of fostering personal growth and development. We learn new skills, broaden our perspectives, and gain valuable insights into ourselves, catalyzing transformative change. We were fab before, fab during but my goodness just watch what we are becoming!

So, my friends, whatever your goals are; make them bigger. The world needs you, your leadership and your gifts. We need your light and love and reason. We need you to take up even more space! If you goals aren't making you scream on the inside a little in the style of Munch's famous painting then you need to dream bigger!

Jo Knight Dutkewich is a former corporate senior leader and consultant to some of the worlds best brands. She helps Ambitious Leaders and Entrepreneurs powered by introversion energy to stop self doubt and overthinking to take action on their biggest, juiciest goals. She runs quarterly cohorts of The Ambitious Introvert; a 12 week group coaching program. She also hosts the Ambitious Introvert with Jo Knight Dutkewich Podcast on Spotify. She lives on Vancouver Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, 3 sons and animal menagerie.