Posted / 17th December 2019
We all know what it’s like, running the day to day of our businesses without really knowing where we are going. We don’t have a plan and it feels like we’re living hand to mouth every month. Around us, we see others excelling, scaling their businesses and doing better and better. What makes them so special?
Well, it’s all down to having a plan – and we’re not talking about stuffy business plans and spreadsheets. We’re talking about tiny little daily, weekly and monthly plans that chip away at the big picture – the big house, the cars, the lovely family holidays.
What is goal setting?
Goal setting is super simple. It’s merely setting yourself objectives or benchmarks to reach and aim for. Instead of allowing goals to float in the wind, we give them timeframes and due dates. For example, ‘gain 5 new clients by the end of the month’, or ‘expand the team by 3 in 3 month’s time’. These goals are easy to work towards because they have a due date.
Why do we set goals?
Without goals, we cannot grow. It’s impossible. How can you do something every day without knowing why you’re doing it? Presumably you’re in this business because you want to earn a living and (hopefully) you enjoy doing it – but what does ‘earning a living’ mean for you?
Everyone has dreams – but they will remain as dreams unless you implement goals.
How do I set myself goals?
- Start with the big picture – whether that’s the size of your team, the money in your account or the salary you want to achieve.
- Break this big goal down into years, then months, then weeks. For example, if you want to make £1million in 3 years, that’s £333,333 a year, £27,000 a month, £6,750 a week etc.
- Once you start breaking your goals down, you’ll be able to implement very small steps into each and every day which help you to get there.
What makes a good goal?
In lots of different industries, they talk about SMART goals – it’s a transferrable way of thinking about manageable and sensible goals that you know you can stick to and achieve.
S – Specific – Get really detailed on your goals, especially if they involve figures.
M – Measurable – How will know you’ve achieved it? Quantify any goal you set.
A – Attainable – Don’t put something in your lap that’s way too difficult (like buying a private jet next week!)
R – Relevant – Is your goal right for your industry? Does it work within your current lifestyle?
T – Time Bound – Like we said earlier, give it an end date or it’ll roll on forever!
Some extra tips on goal setting:
- Keep them where you can see them. Make a poster with your goals on, write them on the fridge, save them in your phone or calendar. Look at your goals all the time and you’ll subconsciously and consciously be putting them first.
- Set aside time to check in. Keep a space in your weekly diary to check in on your goals – see if they still work for you and how close you’re getting to achieving them.
- Tell people your goals! If you want to instigate a particular business relationship or aim for exposure in a certain way, let it be known! You’ll be surprised how many people want to help someone hit their goals!
- Celebrate when you win! If you achieve a goal on time, celebrate it! Teach yourself that working towards goals feels good and you’ll have no issue with implementing it again in the future.
Read about goal setting tips here
What are your business and personal goals? Can you think of any? Take some time to write them down, think about it and come back to them when you’re ready to hit the ‘SUCCESS’ button!