Setting goals is a skill that must be practiced, says Rosemary Smyth, owner of Rosemary Smyth and Associates in Victoria.
Remaining conscious of how you are going to pursue your goals is a part of that strategy. Smyth offers the following suggestions on ways to make goal-setting a regular exercise:
1. Be flexible (and be brave!)
While you should remain focused on the goals you have set, you don’t want to be so focused that you ignore new opportunities that come along.
For example, you might be concentrating on your goal to gain more referrals from clients and centres of influence. But keep in mind that you can find ideal prospects anywhere. You might strike up a conversation with someone who is curious about your work at a coffee shop. Don’t ignore that opportunity because it’s not a part of your referral strategy.
Also, Smyth says, acknowledge that goals can be scary. Sticking to your plan might take you into unfamiliar territory, where you are less confident, and raise the possibility of failure. But keep trying!
2. Have an “accountability buddy”
Recruit someone who will know your plans and will “catch” you should you not follow through. This type of “buddy” can be a great help. He or she will remind you of why your goals are important to you.
Choose a dependable person you can trust. His or her role is not just about checking in to see if a task was completed, but also to help you acknowledge why certain objectives are difficult to accomplish.
Says Smith: “Sometimes the accountability [exercise] will involve examining your ‘limiting beliefs’ regarding what’s holding you back.”
If you are putting someone in that position, be sure to respect the role you’ve given him or her. Don’t brush them off when they’re trying to engage you in a conversation about your goals.
3. Reassess your goals
Things change. What you want to do now may not fit you or your business six months from now. It’s OK to prioritize things differently.
For example, you might have resolved to learn more about social media in order to engage more with your clients online. However, after talking to various clients, you realize few are interested in that type of communication. It’s OK to move that goal down the priority list in exchange for something else.
4. Celebrate!
Smyth recommends not waiting for the completion of a large goal before you give yourself a reward.
“Start to mark reaching smaller goals with that celebration,” she says. “You will have that enthusiasm and momentum continuing on throughout the year.”
This is the second installment in a four-part series on preparing for the new year.
Next: Developing a mission statement.