I want to share a conversation that made me reflect on how we set limits on our own potential. Recently, I spoke to a listener of The Lone Recruiter podcast, and the interaction sparked some interesting insights about self-imposed boundaries, especially when it comes to setting long-term goals in recruitment.
The Story: Cross-Market Collaboration
I had reached out to a podcast fan for a little cross-referencing help. Since we work in parallel markets, I figured we could assist each other. As we discussed business, I casually asked, “How long have you been recruiting?” It turns out, they were relatively new to recruitment but had spent 15 years as a professional in the field they were now recruiting for. This experience gave them a strong network, and it was clear they carried themselves like a seasoned recruiter.
A Limiting Mindset
During our conversation, they mentioned their goal: to hit $800k in billings annually within five years. While I loved the ambition, I couldn’t help but question the timeframe. “Why five years?” I asked. Their response was something many of us have probably thought at one point: “I think that’s how long it will take me.”
But here’s the kicker — by setting a five-year goal, they were unintentionally limiting themselves. It reminded me of the Parkinson’s Law, which states that “work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” If you give yourself five years to hit a target, guess what? It will take five years to get there!
Why Timeframes Matter
Humans are incredible at responding to deadlines, especially immediate ones. Think about the pre-Christmas rush: how much work gets done before the holiday break? A firm deadline drives action. When you say it’ll take five years to reach a goal, you’re giving yourself an excuse not to achieve it sooner.
Here’s a quick reality check:
- Long timeframes: Breed complacency.
- Short deadlines: Force urgency, push efficiency, and prompt skill development.
Break Down Your Goal
During our chat, I broke down their current numbers. To hit that $800k figure in billings, they only needed to add one or two placements per month. It wasn’t a huge leap, and certainly not five years’ worth of work! If you can make one placement a month, you can make two. And if you can make two, why not three or four?
Replicate Success and Cut Inefficiencies
The key here is to:
- Find a replicable process that works.
- Cut out inefficiencies in your workflow.
- Push yourself to be uncomfortable — that’s where growth happens.
Don’t Delay Success
If you’re thinking, “One day I’ll get better, and in five years I’ll hit my goals,” stop right there. Five years is too far away. It’s not putting enough pressure on you today. Start asking yourself how you can move from where you are now to where you want to be, and do it faster. You don’t need to double the amount of work — you need to improve your ability to close deals, identify opportunities, and eliminate time wasters.
Push Yourself to Achieve More
Here’s the thing: hitting your goals isn’t about working double hours. It’s about getting better at the things that matter — finding efficiencies and improving your skills. Instead of aiming for a distant five-year plan, challenge yourself to start now.
By next year, you could already be well on your way to that $800k figure. Why wait?
Key Takeaways:
- Set short-term goals to drive urgency.
- Break down your target — small monthly improvements can lead to big yearly gains.
- Eliminate inefficiencies in your work process.
- Challenge limiting beliefs — don’t give yourself an excuse to take longer than necessary.
If you’re reading this and it resonates, this message is for you: I believe you can achieve your goals faster than you think. Don’t limit yourself by long timeframes — get out there and crush it!
As always, if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. And remember, you’re capable of far more than you realise. Let’s make it happen!
