I’ve been quite shocked to learn that many people don’t know how to set goals! As a result, they don’t have any goals. They are working day to day in a very haphazard way. Is that you?
One of the keys to succeeding in business is having goals and achieving them, on a regular basis. This is another instance where I take for granted some of the natural (and learned) skills that I have. Goal-setting comes easy to me and is the secret to my success.
As I tell my coaching clients, that which comes easy and naturally to you is what you should charge the most for. It’s fascinating how one’s gifts are another person’s struggle. But, in the end, that is what makes each of us a valuable resource. While I believe that goal-setting is a fairly easy process, there are also some secret and special components to the whole experience that would benefit entrepreneurs.
THIS IS MY SECRET SAUCE.
- CREATE A VISION BOARD – FOR PERSONAL AND FOR BUSINESS.
You hear a lot of discussion about vision boards and how in some cases they work – and in other cases, they don’t. Well, in my opinion, there’s a reason for that. Once you’ve completed a vision board (which I do every 6 months, by the way!), you must take it to the next step and create specific goals around each item on the vision board. Turn the pictures into action-oriented statements. For example, when I post a photo of a large industry event (visualizing me being the opening speaker on that stage) – I turn that vision into action. (I typically identify 3 categories, for both personal and business vision boards for the 6 month period. That keeps me focused and out of overwhelm.)
- TRANSFER THE ACTION STEPS TO YOUR CALENDAR.
I do my homework to find out where/when that industry event is taking place – I mark it on my calendar – and then I get into ‘backward goal-setting’ mode. That means, I need to start the preparation process to ensure that I AM on that stage at that time in that place. Backward goal-setting means to find out when the RFS (Request for Speaker) notices go out, ensure my information/media kit is current, be prepared to submit on the date required, and so on. The ‘backward goal-setting’ piece means identifying on my calendar when each of these preparation steps need to occur in order for me to GET and BE on that stage.
- GOAL-SET THROUGH.
This is really the #1 secret to my success when it comes to setting and achieving my goals. Just because I have a vision board and have set specific goals to achieve things – it doesn’t mean they all come to fruition. Most do, however, because of this process.
Now, as part of human nature, when you have the ‘build up’ to a big goal and you achieve that goal, you can also be prone to ‘flattening out’ – it’s kind of like that feeling on the day following Christmas.
You know what I mean!
It’s the same thing when it comes to achieving your goals. You could sit back and wonder ‘Now what?” You’ve put all of your time, energy and resources (and excitement) into achieving a certain goal and then …….ask yourself……..’Is that all there is?”
And that’s where most people fall down. You want to learn to goal-set-through your achievements. So, for instance, let’s take Christmas Day as an example. There’s such a build up to that one particular day and then, poof – it’s over! Gone! The practice I have is to goal-set through Christmas Day and ensure that I have something as exciting to look forward to for Dec. 16 for example – or for Dec. 31 – or for January 1st. That’s goal-setting through……..
That’s what I recommend you do for your business too! Goal-set through the accomplishments. First, always be certain to make time to celebrate! But always be sure there’s something waiting ahead……
Then you, too, will grow your business, make all the money you want and live your best life – all by way of setting goals and goal-setting through …….and beyond!
WHAT GOALS HAVE YOU SET THIS SUMMER?
Please share your thoughts
