We all have to set goals for our business.
Be realistic about what you can do and set aside enough time to focus on the important things.
And some ways of doing this are better than others, certainly when it comes to achieving results. Here we’ve picked seven of the best:
1. Ask yourself, “What do I really want?”
When it comes down to it, if the goals you’re setting don’t nag at the back of your mind and inspire you on a constant basis, you’re not really going to try to make them a reality. Truly recognizing what you really want is the start of an effective strategy for setting goals in any business venture.
2. Start with ‘Why?’
Any goal can be valuable and worth pursuing if it strikes a chord with who you are and what you really want out of life. When you have a purpose behind your goals, you’re more likely to put in the work to make it happen.
3. Make a list of your goals
This can go a long way in making your dreams comes true. This process involves transferring everything out of your head so you can think about organizing each goal chronologically, categorizing long vs. short term goals, and pushing yourself to set deadlines.
These goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. In other words, when setting goals, make sure you use the ‘S.M.A.R.T.’ system.
4. Use action steps to plan your journey
Ever heard of eating elephant burgers and not the whole mastodon? This translates into breaking down your goals into bite-sized increments – daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. When you then transfer those tasks to your to do list and check them off one by one, you’ll get traction.
5. Remember to say ‘no’
What can you say ‘no’ to in order to make time move closer to your goals? Start by writing down everything you do in an average day with as much detail as possible. When you add up all the essentials of your life, how much time is left over?
6. Schedule your success
Be realistic about what you can do and set aside enough time to focus on the important things. Making that time on a regular basis minimizes the chances of getting distracted so things will get done.
7. Reflect and reboot
Check in with yourself for a ‘monthly progress report’ where you look over how well you’ve done at completing your bite-sized tasks and determine if any changes need to be made in the coming weeks to make room for continued progress.
Then, as part of the bigger picture, review the whole process. Think about how your circumstances have changed, and how your priorities may have shifted. Look over those initial goals and make adjustments where necessary.
Successfully goal setting can be as straightforward as putting in place these seven steps. At Williams & Kunkel, CPAs, LLP, we take time to learn more about your goals in order to recommend the right options and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. Call our Flower Mound team today at 972 446 1040.
Need more business advisory help? Read more at Williams & Kunkel, CPAs, LLP New Business Advisor Services
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