“After you’ve done it for so many years, you have to find a new direction. You have to find something in your soul that’s going to push you towards—to find your inspiration.” Elvis Stojko, Canadian figure skater

Charting a New Course: Why Big Goals Matter

Setting out in a new direction can be exhilarating. It can also feel a little intimidating, especially when the path ahead is uncertain. Most of us are accustomed to traveling familiar roads—whether literally or figuratively. When we get in our car to go somewhere, we usually know the destination and the route to get there. That sense of certainty is comforting.

But what happens when we choose a destination we’ve never visited? Think about planning a vacation. You start by deciding where you want to go, then map out the steps to get there. Without that clarity, the journey can quickly go off course. Imagine setting out for Hawaii and ending up in downtown Detroit—two very different experiences! The same principle applies to life and leadership: without a clear direction, we risk wandering aimlessly.

Leadership and the Power of Vision

When leaders take the time to intentionally “walk through” the organization in an effort to understand where the organization is and where it needs to be they begin the process of creating a realistic vision for the future.  In doing this, they not only help themselves understand the vision, but also the people they lead.

This process is more than a bureaucratic exercise—it’s a leadership imperative. Organizations thrive when they have a clear vision and a roadmap to achieve it. Without that, even the most talented teams can lose momentum. Setting the course ensures alignment, focus, and purpose.

Why Personal Goals Matter Just as Much

While organizational planning is critical, the same concept applies to our individual lives. Each of us should have goals and objectives that move us from where we are to where we want to be. Yet, it’s easy to stick to small, safe steps along well-worn paths. Comfort zones are tempting, but they rarely lead to transformation.

If you want big results, you need big goals. Sometimes those goals should feel a little scary—maybe even unattainable at first glance. History is full of examples of bold visionaries who refused to settle for the known path. Imagine if Lewis and Clark had stayed within familiar territory. Their willingness to venture into the unknown shaped the future of a nation.

Big goals produce big rewards. They stretch us, challenge us, and ignite creativity. They force us to grow in ways we never imagined.

The Challenge: Set a Goal That Scares You

Here’s my encouragement: set a goal for yourself that feels just beyond your reach. Something that makes your heart race a little. It could be professional—like pursuing a leadership role—or personal, such as running a marathon or starting a business. Whatever it is, let it be bold enough to inspire you.

When you take that leap, you may find yourself in a spectacular place, looking back and saying, “Wow, what a ride that was.” That sense of accomplishment doesn’t come from playing it safe; it comes from daring to dream big.

The Organizational Parallel

In your organization, you must embrace this philosophy. In charting the course for your organizational future, you must set ambitious goals—goals that might feel daunting today but will position you for success tomorrow. The journey won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. When you reach the end of your career, the hope is that you can look back and say, “Wow, what a ride that was.”

Final Thoughts

New directions require courage. They demand clarity of vision and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Whether you’re leading a team or steering your own life, remember this: the size of your goal often determines the size of your reward. So, dream big. Set that scary goal. And start mapping your course today.

• “Great Leaders Create More Leaders. Good leaders have vision and inspire others to help them turn vision into reality. Great leaders create more leaders, not followers. Great leaders have vision, share vision, and inspire others to create their own.” Roy T. Bennett,