Hairy means covered in hair.

Audacious at best means taking surprisingly bold risks and at worst being impudent and disrespectful.

It seems some people buy into big, hairy audacious business goals. I do not.

Firstly, I struggle to see the value excess hair contributes to goals. Secondly, by definition, audacity brings surprising risks and that can be not just off-putting but also unnecessary. These things disrupt relationships and destroy peace of mind. So, I don't buy into the merits of hairy and/or audacious goals. [Notice - I did not rant on about the emotional impact of dooming people to fail.] Again, I don't buy into the merits of big, hairy and audacious goals.

However, I do support the concept of big goals.

Big goals give us reasons to stretch, to learn, to grow...and growth is an essential part of successful businesses and successful lives. Also, I believe [all else being equal] big goals contribute positively to mental health and add both interest and vigor to life.

So – let’s embrace big goals, the worthy effort they nurture and the growth and peace of mind they bring.

Footnote

For another quasi-tirade against BHAGs...

...and another.