Setting big goals then announcing them is not something that people normally do. Keeping dreams private until they can be achieved is the usual approach. However, here at Journey to Chamonix I have taken the untraditional method. Saying you’re going to run a 171 km mountain trail race in Europe when you’ve only run a few marathons, an ultra and a handful of Parkruns is at best unwise, at worst arrogant and foolish. 

My aim in doing so, is to encourage others to set and achieve their own Big Hairy Audacious Running Goal (BHARG). BHARGs are epic ambitions, are achievable but may be desires that others doubt your ability to achieve. 

The term BHAG was coined in the book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry Porras. I’ve just put a little spin on it!

It is my belief that setting BHARGs will allow you to achieve your dreams and to live a life full of excitement and wonderful moments. They will not be achievable overnight but they will be possible with dedication and a clear focus.

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”

Bill Gates

Opposing views may say that instead of setting goals, build habits instead. This would develop better practices in your life and you may be less likely to fail as they would likely be more achievable. However, my belief is that if we are to achieve our dreams we need to be certain of what they are, focus and build towards them. If we simply build habits i.e. run every day, strength work twice a week etc. we may continue doing what is comfortable and never reach our potential.

Get the most out of life

We’re not here for long. In Australia and most of the rest of the developed world, the average life expectancy is around 80 years. Don’t you want your time here to be fulfilling? To be able to achieve some amazing things? To see, do and run some amazing places and meet wonderful people? 

Of course this may happen without setting BHARGs but by doing so, you are putting yourself in the best position, eliminating the doubt that it won’t happen. 

Give yourself direction

Many people wander through life, “letting life happen to them”. By setting goals, you are setting a course and you will know when you get there. Sure, modifying your course, changing your direction slightly to include something else great or excluding a section altogether because your needs and desires have changed may happen. When you know where you are heading, you can take the best route possible, minimising unnecessary delays and distractions. 

Motivation

We all lack motivation at certain times. Having clear goals and a step by step plan on how to get there, will help keep you motivated. If we focus with the end in mind, we are reminded of why we are training and putting in the hard work. It’s because we know that there’s the accomplishment of finishing an Ultra Marathon or running a 4 hr marathon at the other end. This may be all we need to keep us on track and on the way to achieving our goals.

The question is, what BHARG will you have achieved in 1, 5 or 10+ years?

It could be time based, a certain distance or a specific event or terrain! You might be starting out and looking to run a 10km, participate in a half marathon or run your first trail run. Instead, you may have been running longer and seeking a Boston Marathon Qualifier, completing your first Ultra or even finishing on the podium at the state championships. Who knows, someone has to win that Olympic gold medal! 

Although I have, you don’t necessarily need to tell others about your goals. Sometimes the process of doing so can result in energy being taken away from actually achieving it. 

But you may need help. A personal trainer, training partner, someone to help you crew a big race or just a friend to keep you accountable. I’d love the opportunity to help someone achieve their dreams and friends should feel the same. 

You may fail but you’ll be further ahead than the person who never dreamed or set out to achieve anything to begin with. Plus, it’ll make an amazing story. 

What is your BHARG and how are you going to get closer to achieving it today?