How to Set Audacious Goals That Actually Move You
Hey you guys — if you've ever found yourself shrinking your goals just to make them feel manageable, this post is your permission slip to do the exact opposite. It's time to stretch, dream bigger, and go after the things that actually light you up. We're talking about audacious goals — the kind that make your heart race and your palms sweat in the best way possible.
This is the energy Jaclyn & Sam unpack in Episode 2 of The Freq Show. If you're curious about what a BHAG is (Big Hairy Audacious Goal — yes, it’s a real thing), or how to stop playing it safe in your business or your life, go give it a listen. It’s such a juicy convo and honestly, so encouraging.
Audacious Goals: What Are They?
So let’s start here — what even is an audacious goal?
Jim Collins and Jerry Porras (in their book Built to Last) coined the term Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) — pronounced “bee hag” — and defined it as a unifying focal point of effort. It’s basically a long-term goal that’s so bold, it forces growth. You can’t just cruise your way to a true BHAG. It’s not just a stretch goal — it’s a mission with teeth. It stirs something inside you. It wakes you up.
What Is an Audacious Goal?
Audacious goals push us way out of our comfort zones. They bring up all the stuff — excitement, fear, resistance, energy. You feel a sense of urgency, like, “Okay… this one matters.” And that’s exactly the kind of spark we need when we’re building something with soul.
If you’ve got a dream that feels a little too big, that might be the one. The one that brings up all the negative thoughts and inner doubts. And that’s when you know — you’re on the right track.
The Psychological Shift
To go after something audacious, you’ve got to start thinking differently:
Catch the negative thoughts. They’ll try to sneak in with stories like, “Who do you think you are?” Nope. Not today.
Feel the fear. Then move anyway. Growth doesn’t come from ease.
Create a finish line. Give your BHAG a due date. Create momentum with bite-sized goals. Make the big thing a little more real.
Staying the Course When It Gets Hard
Because let’s be honest — it’s going to get hard. Audacious goals will challenge you. They’ll make you question your sanity. You’ll have moments where you feel totally stuck.
That’s when you:
Come back to your why.
Tap into the successful habits of visionary people — the ones who keep going.
Surround yourself with people who remind you that your goal is worth it.
Accept that you're going to feel resistance. That’s part of it. You’re changing your reality, and that takes grit.
Don’t Do It Alone
Collins and Porras wrote about how visionary companies succeed not because of one genius, but because of unified teams. Same goes for us — we need community. We need cheerleaders. People who speak life into our big, audacious goals and help us stay the course.
Make It Visual
You know we’re all about a good vision board. Create one for your BHAG:
Pull images that stir you emotionally
Add your mission statements, your reminders, your reasons
Put it where you’ll see it every day and let it fuel you
Tune In to The Freq Show — Episode 2
If this is lighting a fire in you, go listen to Episode 2 of The Freq Show. Jaclyn & Sam talk all about the why behind these kinds of goals, how to stay aligned with your truth, and what it really looks like to chase something huge — without burning out. Watch and listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Final Thought
Guys — your dreams are allowed to be huge. Like, really huge. They’re allowed to feel a little outrageous. That’s the point. Let your goals be so big they scare you. Let them call you forward. That’s where the magic happens.
You were never meant to play small. So go after the thing.
Live on purpose. Live on frequency.
Ien Araneta - editor of The Freq Show & The Beckon Times
