A Fresh Start: How to Set Goals That Actually Stick

As small business owners, we are often so busy “doing” that we rarely stop to think. Now is the perfect time to pause, reflect on the past year, and look forward to what the new year holds.

Before you dive into planning, take a moment to acknowledge your wins. Celebrate your accomplishments and the hard-learned lessons of the past year—it is important work. But once you have done that, it is time to shift your focus to the road ahead. Whether you are running a business or working for someone else, setting clear goals is an investment that truly pays off.

Here are seven friendly “Do’s and Don’ts” to help you build a roadmap for success.

1. Put Pen to Paper

It sounds simple, but if you are truly committed to your goals, you must write them down. Writing them clarifies exactly what outcome you want. Once they are written, keep them visible! Whether you review them daily or weekly, do not make the mistake of “setting and forgetting” them.

2. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

Goals exist to keep you focused, but having too many can actually mess you up. Keep your list manageable so you don’t burn out. A good rule of thumb is to set 4–5 personal goals and no more than 5–7 critical business goals.

3. Be Specific

There is an old saying: “Vague goals create vague results”. Almost everyone wants to “earn more money,” but that is too general to help you act. Be precise. If you want to earn $150,000 next year, write that down. Specificity allows you to focus on the exact steps needed to achieve it.

4. Measure What Matters

Because goals take time to accomplish, you need a way to monitor your progress and ensure you are staying on course. As the adage goes, “what we measure, we can achieve”. Build metrics into your goals, such as:

• Financials: Increasing salary or wages by 20%.
  
  
• Growth: Hiring 2 new employees or increasing your customer base by 10%.
  
  
• Personal: Reading 2 books a month or arriving home by 6:00 pm.
  
  

5. Set Deadlines

Not all goals are created equal; some are critical, while others depend on different factors. Establishing due dates helps you prioritize what is important and creates a healthy sense of urgency. Plus, a solid deadline is the best way to avoid procrastination.

6. Dream a Little Bigger

While your goals should be realistic within your timeframe, don’t be afraid to think bigger. Step out of your comfort zone and add some “stretch” to your goals. These are the goals that will actually excite and motivate you to take action.

7. Don’t Ignore the “Why”

When you are setting a goal, ask yourself, “Why is this important to me?”. Understanding the motivation behind the goal makes it meaningful. Why do you want to earn 20% more? Why do you want to be home by 6:00 pm? That underlying “why” is the fuel that will drive you to keep going throughout the year.

Move from Dreaming to Doing

Remember, goals without actions are simply dreams or wishes. Nothing changes until you move. Once you have identified your goals, take a few minutes to jot down the specific tasks required to accomplish them. Your roadmap to success requires action.

Finally, share your goals with someone who has a stake in your success. Accountability goes a long way and can often be the secret ingredient that puts you over the top.

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Sometimes, we all need another set of eyes, ongoing support and some accountability to overcome the obstacles holding us back. If you are looking for a partner in your success, then let’s chat. Click here to schedule a free 30 minute discovery call.