Goals come in two sizes: long-term and short-term. Both are equally important. One lets you see far into the future, and the other guides you each step of the way. And we’ve all been told: Don’t stop until you reach your goal. But my brain is wired a bit differently—I’m all about setting the goals but not quite reaching them. Why? Because I keep moving the goalposts.  

THE EVER-MOVING GOALPOSTS

Theoretically, goalposts are supposed to stay put. You aim to get there, cross the line, and win the game. Then it’s time to celebrate reaching your goal.

But what if the goalposts move? Or shift? Just when you’re about to reach your goal, it darts away? Some people might find that discouraging and maybe even give up. I find it to be a challenge I simply can’t resist. And the funny thing is: I’m the one moving the goalposts or finish line.

Here’s my reasoning: I never want to be satisfied with the status quo—reaching a plateau and then just hanging out there forever because it’s comfortable and easy to maintain that level of work. Instead, my mind is always on hyperdrive of how I can improve as a person and maintain an upward trajectory for my company. And this is the key: Never reach your goal. Just before you hit it, start thinking about how you can move past that milestone and onto the next. Push the goalposts one more yard out. Push yourself farther and harder than before. 

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.  

QUESTIONS ARE THE FUEL TO IGNITE NEW GOALS

Wondering where to find the inspiration to set new goals for yourself? Here are a few effective questions I use:   

• How can I refine my management style?

• What specifically can NS Builders do to improve our reputation?

• Is there another way of looking at this problem?

• Have I asked my team for suggestions/solutions I haven’t considered?

• Can we try a different material/product that would work even better?

  Ask yourself questions you don’t have an easy answer to. It will challenge you to come up with ways to improve and open yourself up to fresh ideas. And this is why we’re always setting new goals at NS Builders. And it’s why we get hired. Everyone involved knows that we are going to challenge ourselves, challenge the design, and challenge the execution. We’re not afraid to get an in-depth 100-page set of drawings and specifications and comb through it all and then still come up with questions: What would make this even better? How can we intentionally design and craft this? 

SETTING GOALS BENEFIT YOU AND THE CLIENT

When you push yourself to do better—reaching beyond your goals—you’ll end up benefitting not only yourself but also your client. 

For example, let’s talk about painting. There are obviously different levels of skill and expertise, and it becomes readily apparent who is an expert in the field and who isn’t. So as you think about your conversations with the homeowner and what their high expectations are for the finishes, you’ll be extremely picky when it comes to who you hire as a painting contractor or how you personally execute the work. You’ll refuse to settle for anything less than the best. You won’t sacrifice quality to save time or money. And that motivation—that resolution—pushes you to exceed the homeowner’s expectations. 

MOTIVATE OTHERS TO REACH FOR THE STARS

When you surround yourself with talented, dedicated craftsmen like yourself, your business and reputation will flourish. But more than just skill is needed—your team needs to understand and share your passion for excelling, for moving the goalposts out and reaching beyond. So be sure to lead by example. 

Explain why you feel the need to constantly evaluate your performance and their performance—and how the business needs to be in forward motion. Outline what they can do to make that happen. And never underestimate the importance of offering sincere commendation and recognition for their hard work and positive attitude. When you need to provide constructive criticism, try to sandwich it: commend, correct, commend. It will make the needed correction more palatable.

I don’t expect everyone to see things just the way I do—we are all wired differently. And that’s OK. My goalposts may always be moving, but I’m up for the challenge.     

It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen. 

—Nick Schiffer