“The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score.”
Bill Copeland
Traditionally, many people set goals in January to cover the rest of the year. However, at that time, they can often get lost in the madness of business and of everyday life. I’m sure we’ve all been in this situation. So why do them? Well, there’s no doubt that there can be real benefits to setting goals – and writing them down. Here are three of the key ones:
1. Defining what you truly want
Many people make big decisions that are reactive to a situation they’re facing. Setting goals when you have the opportunity to sit down calmly and reflectively will put you more in control – enabling you to decide what you really want to achieve.
2. Breaking big tasks down into manageable chunks
Sometimes building a business can seem like climbing a mountain. By breaking things down into manageable chunks, not only can the steps to success seem clearer, they can also appear less daunting. It can be a lonely place being a business owner. By standing back when we’re calm and relaxed and defining our goals, it can also give us belief in ourselves that we can succeed in the way we want to – and remind us why we went into business in the first place.
3. Accountability
It’s simple to say you’re going to do something (and mean it at the time). However, it’s easier to stay on track if your goal’s defined, written down and given a time frame. It provides something to revisit on a regular basis to make sure you’re progressing with it. You could use a business coach or a co-director to help you in this process, so they check in with you about the actions you’ve taken.
Why do I have to write them down?
By writing your goals down at the start, it puts a clear marker in the sand to help you go forward. Of course, circumstances change and personal plans change, so whether you do your goals on a six-monthly or annual basis, the chances are that these will change, too. So you simply revisit your written document and revise it. Your notes give you a defined action plan against which you can assess your achievements. It’s a great feeling to realise you’ve done what you said you would!
How we can help you set great goals
We love to listen to people’s goals and aspirations. We can help you make sure they’re congruent and achievable, and set a realistic action plan to inspire and motivate you. If you want, we can also help you on an on-going basis, so you check in with us at regular points to make sure you’re on track to achieve.
If you would like to do a goal setting session, get in touch.
