Forget New Year’s Resolutions…Try This!

Jan 1 • 2022

It’s the new year, and you know what that means…the sudden urge to rethink your whole life, make 257 resolutions, and then give up on them all in February.

Yeah, we’ve all been there before.

And if there’s one thing that 2021 taught us, it’s that no matter how excited we may get about our New Year’s Resolutions…sh*t happens. But it doesn’t mean we have to give up. It just means we need to work a little smarter.

That’s what I love about the BHAG method. Aka: Big Hairy Audacious Goal!

The BHAG method is all about focusing on calculated, purpose-driven growth instead of throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the wall hoping something will stick.

Here’s how to create and accomplish your own BHAG:

  1. 01. Make three lists: Write down a list of all your gifts (things you’re naturally good at), another list of all your values (things that are intrinsically important to you), and another list of all your passions (things that make your heart flutter!)
  2. 02. Create your BHAG: Now you can create your BHAG by combining your gifts, values, and passions into one big, hairy audacious dream. Remember — the purpose of a BHAG is to get you to think bigger. Much, much bigger. Really challenge yourself. If you know you can do it, you’re thinking too small!
  3. 03. Break your BHAG down into smaller, more manageable goals with distinct time frames: For example, if your BHAG is to become the leading commercial photographer in your niche, then you could break that down into a Q1 goal of simply booking at least 1 shoot with a creative agency in your area, and further down into monthly goals of prepping your portfolio, researching and reaching out to agencies, and following up as needed.
  4. 04. Celebrate! You’re now on your way towards something really amazing. Congrats!

With the BHAG method, all the goals you make for 2022 build towards something huge and amazing: your big, hairy audacious goal! Rather than unfocused, chaotic resolutions — with a BHAG your goals will all be calculated, purpose-driven, and inspiring.

Just remember, the BHAG isn’t designed to set you up for failure. Instead, it’s designed to help you learn to embrace difficulty as a chance for improvement. To accept setbacks, to keep learning, and of course, to keep going even when sh*t happens.

Good luck with your BHAG, and a very big hairy, audacious happy New Year from the FS Fam!