As a father and business leader, I’ve recently had a revelation.

As a father and business leader, I’ve recently had a revelation.

It started with my 7th-grade daughter, Bianca.

Now, in junior high, school is more challenging.

I’ve been instilling the value of studying beyond completing homework assignments.

But I realize she hasn’t had a role model to emulate her new study habits.

What got her through grade school won’t get her success in junior high, high school, and college.

I also find this true in the business world.

Agencies and B2B companies come to me when growth stalls.

The common issue?

They’re underinvesting in their sales and marketing.

Like Bianca, these firms base their strategies and investments on past experiences.

What are others like me doing?

But they’re not looking ahead.

They’re dumbfounded when I share what higher-performing companies are investing in growth.

Both scenarios got me thinking.

Are we setting our bars according to what’s immediately around us?

What’s easy?

What’s familiar?

It’s a common trap.

Another challenge is aiming too high.

Comparing yourself to Elon Musk or your firm to McKinsey could make your goals feel unattainable.

You may never even get started.

Here’s the lesson.

Shoot for the stars, but get there step-by-step.

Identify role models a few levels ahead of where you are now.

Break down their strategies and adapt them.

Whether it’s my daughter redefining her study habits for junior high or you redefining your growth strategy for your next stage.

Don’t set your benchmark based on what’s easy or familiar.

Aim to match those a step or two ahead of where you want to be.

If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.