Eric’s presentation was motivating!
Don’t Be Ridiculous!
Jim Clarke, the founder of Netscape, was once asked how much money would be enough for him. He replied, “I want a little bit more money than Larry Ellison (the Chairman and CEO of Oracle). “How about Bill Gates?” the interviewer asked. “Do you want to be wealthier than him?” Clarke looked at the interviewer incredulously and said “Don’t be ridiculous!”
This story is about the pursuit of wealth, but the principle applies to any kind of goal setting: sometimes the best way to achieve truly monumental goals is to first set goals that stretch you, but that don’t overwhelm you. Today, Bill Gates’ wealth is overwhelming even for a rich man like Clarke. The goal of being wealthier than Larry Ellison is a big stretch, but it is conceivable – it challenges Clarke without overwhelming him. Setting his sights on Ellison rather than Gates is a calculated effort to set a goal big enough to be challenging, but not so big so as to be discouraging. If he were to eclipse Ellison in net worth, there is then only one place for Clarke to set his sights.
Performance Principle: Don’t be ridiculous. There is such a thing as a goal that is too big. Have the confidence to discard a goal as being ridiculous for where you are today. Set a stretch goal, but not an overwhelming goal. When you achieve it, you’ll be ready to set your sights on even bigger game.
Questions to consider:
- What goals are you setting for yourself and your organization today?
- Are you being realistic?
- How can you set small, achievable goals that taken together will create a major improvement?
