We just wrapped up our annual business retreat, and I’ve been reflecting on what the next year should look like. Last year was huge for us — we went from being two hands-on technicians to actual entrepreneurs building a business. A few days in the woods, some long walks by the ocean, and we came back with clarity, energy, and one big, scary goal.
In 2008, we’re going to gross one million dollars — and still have a life.
Now, I can already hear the responses. Some people will smile politely. Others will laugh out loud. And honestly? If you look at where we are today, the skeptics have a point. But here’s what they don’t see: we’re not afraid to change. We’re willing to evolve, grow, and become the leaders and the team needed to actually make this happen.
Fear as a Guide
Fear is a constant companion when you step into something new. That’s not weakness — that’s just being human. Personally, I’ve learned to treat fear as a kind of compass. In fact, the way I set goals is to keep raising the bar until I start feeling uncomfortable, then nervous, then flat-out afraid. That’s the marker. That’s when I know I’ve found the right goal.
A goal that doesn’t stretch you isn’t really a goal at all — it’s just a task. For us, the number that scares us is one million. So that’s the one we’re chasing.
Announcing It Out Loud
Every meaningful goal we’ve ever hit started with saying it out loud. Announcing it, even when it feels crazy. Because once it’s spoken, you’re accountable. You start noticing opportunities you’d otherwise miss.
I’ve seen it over and over. Buy a red car, suddenly the roads are full of red cars. Tell everyone you’re hunting for a wedding ring, and one day someone hands you a family diamond. When you focus on something relentlessly, it has a way of materializing.
So here it is: we’re going to gross a million. Not because we want stacks of cash, but because we want to build a team that big enough, strong enough, and valuable enough to support 15 families instead of 6. That thought lights me on fire.
Accountability Matters
It’s easy to compromise with yourself in the quiet. Skip a sales call. Lower your expectations when things get hard. But it’s a lot tougher to look your team in the eye and say you gave up. That’s why I’m announcing this goal publicly. If I quit early, I’m not just letting myself down — I’m letting down the people who trust me.
Failure isn’t dishonor. Quitting is.
Big Goals, Small Steps
People often say, “Be realistic.” Sure, small goals should be practical and attainable — they’re the habits that build momentum. But if your big goals don’t scare you, you’re short-changing yourself. Leaders step outside their comfort zone to make something bigger than themselves possible.
Our roadmap for 2008 starts with small, concrete steps:
- Back to school: Enrolling in a Software Project Management course to sharpen our skills as our team grows.
- Fill the gaps: We turn down projects we can’t staff. That has to change. If you’re a strong designer or developer, let’s talk.
- Tune our systems: Keep improving our project management setup, or build one tailored for how we work.
The Challenge to You
Here’s my challenge: set a goal that scares you. Not something safe or “realistic,” but something that makes your knees shake a little. Write it down. Put it somewhere you’ll see every day. Then commit to the changes you’ll need to make to reach it.
We’ll be over here chasing our million — and cheering for you as you chase your own.