This is a time of year to reflect, a time to review, and a time when we find ourselves asking “What the heck? Where did this year go?” We often have the best of plans and somehow as the year goes on we find ourselves either “A” altering those plans or “B” shelving those plans all together. Let’s face it life happens! We get busy, we get sidetracked, we get distracted and all of the sudden the things we wanted to accomplish don’t seem as important as the things we are doing and pretty soon we find ourselves wishing for more time to do the things we set out to do.
Goal setting is one of the biggest challenges for many of us. The even bigger challenge is sticking with those goals once we set them. It’s time to forgive yourself for not staying on track and move on. There’s no point in wishing for what could have been, there’s no point in “if only I had…” It’s soon time for a new year, it’s time for a fresh start. Someone once told me there are two parts to goal setting.
First you have to set realistic goals. Starting with your 5-year plan, work your way back to your one-year plan, and then your one-month plan. Write down what you would like to accomplish in 5 years. Then break down into one-year increments of how to get there. Then taking this coming year break it down to one month increments. What do you need to do each month to get to your one-year goal?
Second you have to have a plan. Look at your monthly goals. how many new clients, how many sales does that equate to? How many phone calls or appointments do each of those sales equate to? Then break it down to daily tasks. Then start working one day at a time.
Yes, goal setting seems daunting, but you have to start somewhere. Without direction you’ll get the same results each year if you don’t. That’s okay if you don’t want to experience any growth, but I can’t imagine being in business and not. Successful people reflect on the past year and plan for the new year before it even gets here. My wish for you in 2017 is much success. If you want some great recommendations on goal setting books feel free to email the word “Goals” to info@30secondsuccess.com, I will happily share my favorites with you.
Here’s to 2017 and your success!