Climbing Mount Everest would probably seem like an impossible task if you were looking up at the peak from base camp.
That’s the same feeling most people have when tackling their long-term goals. Whether it’s saving enough money to buy an expensive sports car or losing 50 pounds, it can be overwhelming to think about the thousands of steps required to reach that goal post.
Executive coach Bryan Gillette believes there’s a way to dismantle this frame of mind. In his new book, EPIC Performance: Lessons from 100 Executives and Endurance Athletes on Reaching Your Peak, Gillette outlines his performance framework for setting achievable goals.
Gillette spoke with b. and outlined an EPIC acronym that can persuade you to take that first step up the mountain.
E = Envision
Most people base their decisions on what they can accomplish in the immediate future, but Gillette revealed that most high achievers he interviewed focused on setting long-term goals.
“If I asked you if you could run a marathon tomorrow, your answer might be no,” Gillette said. “Right now, you can’t, but in six months, you could. When somebody says, ‘I can’t,’ I like to change ‘I can’t now’ to ‘I can’t yet.’ Once you say ‘yet,’ it starts to open up that possibility.”
When evaluating a long-term goal, Gillette said it’s vital to pinpoint those driving motivations that will fuel your journey.
“What is that emotional connection you have to the finish line?” Gillette asked. “Sometimes we have to look at the big picture and why we’re doing this.”
P = Plan
When it comes to making your vision a reality, Gillette said taking a more limited approach and outlining the first few baby steps is the best strategy.
“What do I need today to get me to tomorrow?” Gillette asked. “Forget about the finish line. Forget about that mountain peak you’re trying to climb. What is it that I need to get to the next step?”
Gillette compared this to the mentality he tries to keep while running a marathon. “You often aren’t focused on the finish line for a long period of time,” he said. “You’re focusing on the next aid station or the next rest stop.”
I = Iterate
Runners don’t start competing in a 200-mile race; they start training for a 5K. And in the business world, associates have to work their way up the corporate ladder before being considered for a senior executive position.
In each new role, you’ll master new skills and experiences before leaping to the next level. Gillette compared this to learning how to swim.
“You don’t start swimming in the deep end of the pool,” he said. “Once you have the confidence to swim in the shallow end of the pool, the water in the deep end of the pool is no different. The only difference is whether or not you have that confidence to move in.”
C = Collaborate
Goals aren’t achieved without expert insight — and part of that is taking notes from those who walked down similar paths. Your perceived outcome might look different, but this is the best way to reap others’ successes while avoiding some of the setbacks they faced.
For instance, if you’re a newer business owner who hasn’t experienced high inflation rates and hasty market corrections before, find others who have withstood similar business cycles. Cultivate key advisers who can help mentor you throughout your journey, or read informative resources — Gillette referred to this as “solo collaboration” — like the b. newsletter!
“Look at what other people have done to survive things like this because many of us have survived a bad market.”
Epic Performance is available now.
