ROCKET Goals

“The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred . . . unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.”
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


Futurists and project planners share a common passion for trying to predict the future. The difference is that futurists tend to expand the field of possible events in order to gain the best strategic advantage, while project planners try to narrow the field of events in order to move as quickly and as efficiently possible. When a person or company lands on a great future facing strategy and then combines it with great project execution - the results can be extraordinary. However, it’s rare for the same person to balance these two future facing lens effectively - which is why companies tend to silo their strategy planning functions from their operations team.

Of course In the real world - nothing ever goes quite according to plan, and good project planners will give a fair amount of attention to considering possible “black swan” events that could throw the launch plan back. This could mean surprising labor constraints, supply chain issues, economic disruptions, and even the weather. There is another kind of disruption that is not usually usually given a great deal of attention - but is what Goethe alludes to - and these are what I call “white swan events” - those unforeseen incidents and meetings that no one could dream would come their way. While Futurists love to dwell on all the exciting white swan events just over the horizon, these types of fortunate turns are certainly hard to predict from a planning perspective.

To harness these insights effectively and navigate through both black and white swan events, let's introduce the 5 Step Launch Sequence for reaching your Rocket Goals in a world of uncertainty and opportunity. This sequence not only addresses how to prepare and adjust for unforeseen challenges but also how to remain open and agile to capitalize on unexpected opportunities.

5 Step Launch Sequence

 1. Strategic Flexibility
Embrace Agile Planning: Start with a clear vision and objectives, but remain flexible in your approach. Use agile methodologies to break down your project into smaller, manageable sprints, allowing for frequent reassessment and adjustment based on new information or events.

Prepare for Multiple Futures: Develop scenarios for potential future states, including both challenges and opportunities (black and white swans). This foresight enables you to create flexible strategies that can quickly pivot as needed.

 2. Resource Resilience
Build a Diverse Network: Cultivate a broad network of contacts, resources, and partnerships. This diversity ensures that you can access different types of assistance and opportunities as they arise, much like Goethe's material assistance.

Create a Buffer: Allocate resources (time, money, personnel) more generously to accommodate unforeseen events. Having a buffer can be the difference between faltering and thriving amidst surprises.

 3. Opportunity Radar
Stay Informed and Connected: Keep your finger on the pulse of trends, technologies, and shifts within your industry and beyond. Attend conferences, engage with thought leaders online, and participate in forums to expose yourself to potential white swan events.

Cultivate Curiosity and Openness: Encourage a culture (both personally and within your team) of learning, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. This mindset will make you more receptive to recognizing and seizing unforeseen opportunities.

 4. Psychological Agility
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Following the teachings of David Goggins, view challenges as opportunities for growth. Develop resilience and a relentless pursuit of your goals, treating setbacks as lessons rather than failures.

Practice Mindful Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your journey, learning from both the successes and the obstacles. This practice helps in maintaining clarity of purpose and adjusting strategies with a calm, focused mind.

5. Execution Excellence
Prioritize and Focus: Inspired by the "ONE Thing" principle, always prioritize tasks and initiatives that have the maximum impact on your goals. Focus your efforts on what truly moves the needle.

Leverage the CREW Model: Apply the Courage to Risk, Recognition of Progress, Expanding Horizons, and Wisdom through Mentorship principles to foster team growth and personal development. This collective wisdom and courage fuel execution excellence.

Conclusion
Incorporating the 5 Step Launch Sequence into your strategy for reaching Rocket Goals prepares you not only to face the unpredictability of black swan events but also positions you to leverage the serendipitous white swan events. By fostering strategic flexibility, building resource resilience, maintaining an opportunity radar, cultivating psychological agility, and striving for execution excellence, you create a robust framework for success that is both resilient and opportunistic. Embrace the journey, with all its unforeseen incidents and meetings, as part of the thrilling adventure towards achieving your extraordinary goals.