Goal setting comes with a trap we need to avoid. Let’s learn how MS Dhoni got India out of one such situation.
In last week’s newsletter I asked you to track how you’re doing on your inner compass. Are you making progress towards areas you desire to be the best at?
I like to set goals for both work and personal areas in an environment where there’s no pressure. However, there’s a trap of over efficiency we need to avoid.
This is a situation where we keep working on incremental steps mainly as a continuation activity. It’s kind of like continuing to let all investments ride on fixed deposits. Your returns will be limited but safe.
If your purpose is to break out, we need to switch something up.
That’s the lead to an India Australia cricket match where India was bowling well. Jadeja (left arm spinner) bowled with his metronome accuracy, not giving up much runs. It was clear that the Aussies were trying to play out his overs without giving a wicket. That’s when Dhoni quipped “Jaddu, chakka kha ke dikha.” He was challenging his lead bowler to flight the ball and challenge the batsmen. The captain was ok if he gave up a few sixes!
Dhoni wanted his bowler to take a risk even if it cost some runs. Why?
Tried and tested well-known approaches give expected results. We are caught in a state of tiny progress. To get to a better state, we need to take a few leaps of faith.
Evaluate your goals and see if there’s room for an audacious goal.
The cost you incur is the experiment not working out. Like Dhoni, you’re giving yourself the permission to take a hit. The upside is well worth it.
Just like your portfolio, your goals must have a mix of safe and some ambitious projects.
Take a risk. Go out of your comfort zone. Learn something new. Only if you try that, will you get a better result.
Happy Goal Setting!
Hemang.