Setting goals – ten steps to success
So it’s a new year already – where did the time go? And what about those promises we all made to ourselves around this time last year? If you’re like most people, you may have resolved to lose a few of those extra inches. But if you’re a business owner, the term “New Year’s Resolution” probably has different implications.
Personally, I like to keep a balance between all aspects of my life, though it can certainly be difficult at times. A year ago, I resolved (quite ambitiously, I thought) to double my business by 2007 AND keep my body in trim competing shape. Now with 2006 behind us, Sage Media has actually tripled its business, and as for my shape, well I’d say I’m at 80%. Maybe not Olympic athlete shape, but at least weekend warrior shape. Not bad.
What’s the secret? Well it’s really not a secret at all… and it involves a fair bit of work as you might have suspected. It begins with setting measurable and carefully considered goals. But setting goals is not enough – you need to devise several roadmaps to reaching those goals, and then follow through. Whether your goals are small or big, following these ten steps will help you on your way:
1. Be Decisive
A no-brainer. If you’re going to set successful goals, you need to know exactly WHAT you want and be confident in that decision. Think your goals through – make sure you know WHY you want what you do, and think about HOW to best achieve it.
2. Stay Focused
It’s way too easy to get distracted and run off-course. There are simply too many demands on our time… but that’s the way of life we’ve chosen in running a business. We need to prioritize, plan and organize our time so that our goals do not get shifted to the back burner.
3. Don’t Fear Failure
Yes, failure sucks. But it’s often a necessary part of growth and progress, and failure can be an excellent (albeit harsh) teacher. Think about possible roadblocks that may appear in your path, and plan on how to redirect resources and ultimately grow from the experience.
4. Write it Down
You’re a smart person. And you probably have a decent memory, but it’s not just about remembering your goals. There’s something about having it in writing that causes us to try twice as hard to check it off the list. Write your goals down, and keep that piece of paper or file somewhere visible. That way it’s always there, not just in the back of your mind, but in your workspace, gently keeping you on target.
5. Plan
Another no-brainer, but shockingly a frequently overlooked step. Impulsively driving through the country without a map can be fun, but odds are you won’t make it to your destination in time (or at all). The old adage holds true: “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail”
6. Don’t Go it Alone
We’re social creatures, even those of us who are more quiet and introverted rely on some element of social support to get us through our daily lives. Share your goals with people who you know will support you when you need it, or who can offer wisdom and advice that may help you get there with less scrapes and bruises in the end.
7. DO Something
You can’t run a marathon sitting on the sofa. Get one foot in front of the other and take purposeful action, or you’ll never get there. It’s a cliched bit of advice, but it’s true – you need to be proactive.
8. Pat Yourself on the Back
You’re not in a twelve step program (or maybe you are, in which case you know all this) but it’s great advice. When you accomplish some small success, don’t berate yourself for not having achieved more. Instead, reward yourself for your hard work, focus and persistence. Reward works much more effectively than punishment. Besides, it’s more fun.
9. Audit Your Expectations
The only true constant in life is change. Take a critical look at your plans on a regular basis, and if current circumstances warrant a change of plan, then do it. If your plan becomes obsolete or outdated, it will no longer get you where you want to go.
10. Keep Your Integrity
You’re a person of your word. You’ve committed to doing this thing, and you’re going to follow through. Excuses will present themselves along the way, but like a dieter after an enormous binge, you will lose respect for yourself if you give in. Stay on course, reach your goals, keep your promises and maintain your integrity.
Reaching your goals isn’t all that complicated. All it takes is dedication, forethought, and commitment.
Sage Media is an international corporate design firm based in Ottawa, Ontario.
