Shortly after my son, Jack, was diagnosed with autism at age two, I set the big, hairy, audacious goal
Recently, I was honored to be the keynote speaker for the Inclusion Across the Lifespan conference at Winthrop University. I talked about how in the middle of 4th grade, Jack was moved to a private school to experience an actual inclusion setting. He learns alongside his peers, and his bar is set at the same height as the others. I used my BHAG to implore the school's administration and to partner with them to admit their first student with autism. Jack is in 5th grade now and earned all A's on his last report card. More important than grades, our Jack is back in our world.
I'll never forget this fall while helping him with homework; he turned to me, looked me in the eyes, and said, "Mommy, I’m so smart!" It was as if it were the first time he realized this fact. His new teachers have found unique ways to help pull out the vast knowledge locked inside Jack's brain through typing and picture drawing while dousing him full of encouragement and praise.
You see, the power of BHAGs lies not just in crossing the finish line but in inspiring those in the race. I was the first to start jogging, tagging his family, teachers, administrators, therapists, medical doctors, homeopathic doctors, and anyone else I could find. Jack is also running the race as we've come around the halfway mark to the BHAG.
I knew I'd found mind when:
My personal BHAG gave me my life's purpose, a vision of the future, inspiration to move one heavy foot in front of the other, and advocate for my son. It will undoubtedly be a transformational change in Jack and one that is more and more doable and exciting with each year that passes.
Why does having a BHAG matter? Imagine what an inspiration a truly BIG, HAIRY, AUDACIOUS GOAL could mean during your company's race and when you cross that finish line! Our BHAGs inspire us to think creatively, implore others to join us, and grab on to what others deem impossible. On your marks, get set...
Looking for some more information on BHAG to help get you started? Check out our additional resources:
Does Your Company's BHAG Connect to Your Hedgehog?
What's Driving Your Financial Engine? Profit/x Examples
How to Reach Your BHAG (Infographic)
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