Keys to Better Goal Setting

Keys to Better Goal Setting

Each of us defines success differently. Money, lifestyle, relationships, and personal growth are likely contributing factors. But your ability to achieve the success you desire starts with goal setting.

With January approaching, now is a good time to evaluate your performance in 2023 — and set goals for 2024.  Here are some suggestions to make your goal-setting payoff.

5 Keys to Better Goal Setting

Write Them Down & Keep Them Visible.  Your goals clarify what you want to be, do, have, or accomplish. So, if you are committed to achieving them, put them in writing and view them often. Don’t set them and forget them.

Don’t Go Overboard.  Since goals help keep you focused, too many can mess you up. Keep the number of goals manageable. Concentrate on the ones that are most relevant to your long-term success.   

Be Specific.  Goals that are too general are often less motivating. Earn more money or spending more time with family are simply too general to propel you to act. Define your goals clearly. Then you can track progress and focus on what actions you need to take to achieve them.

Set Deadlines.  All goals are not created equal. Some are more critical. Others take more time. Give yourself due dates. They help you prioritize and avoid procrastination.

Think Bigger.  Make your goals challenging but realistic. Get out of your comfort zone and put a little stretch into the goals you set. So you are motivated to take action.

Here’s a bonus. Don’t ignore the why. Why is a goal important to you? In many cases, the why is the motivation behind the goal. It makes your goals more meaningful. It is often what drives you to keep going from month to month.

A vision without action is just a dream; an action without vision just passes time; a vision with an action changes the world.

Nelson Mandela

Nothing happens until you take action. So, after you set your goals, jot down what you need to do to accomplish them. Those tasks are your roadmap to success.

Need Help With Setting Goals and Planning?

Then check out my Ultimate Action Planning Guide. This step-by-step guide provides everything you need to create an action plan for your small business. Packed with helpful tools, templates, samples, and worksheets to make it quick, easy, and effective. Plus, some proven ideas to help you increase sales, develop systems, build teams, improve customer satisfaction, and grow profitability.  Buy Now