Did the title of this post make you nervous?
If it did, you wouldn’t be alone. There’s something ominous about business goals setting, which is why so many of us make hurried New Year’s Resolutions, only to fail miserably before February has even begun.
Let’s face it, we all want to achieve something, especially if we’re in business by and for ourselves.
But it’s not enough to just sit around dreaming about it. What we need is a plan, then we need to stick to it.
(If only it were that simple!)
Luckily, there are some easy ways to lighten and simplify the goal setting load…so much so, that you may even begin to enjoy it.
Yes, really.
Ease the pressure
Building some flexibility into your goals will remove that sickening, “I HAVE TO do this NOW!” feeling that compels some of us to procrastinate, rebel, or freeze in our tracks.
Success isn’t black-and-white, after all. So, instead of making a list of gruelling tasks with hair-raising timelines, be kinder to yourself. Make a list of things you’d really love to happen this year, then think about how you might achieve them.
Then, break the process into small, achievable steps, and go easy on the end date. You’re far more likely to reach your goal if you let yourself work towards it when you’re ready, not because you’ve circled an arbitrary date on the calendar.
Don’t overload yourself
OK, so you probably want to achieve a great deal this year. It’s a new year and a new decade, after all, so why not start it with a bang?
However, setting one goal at a time is much more achievable than crafting a long wish list…
…one you know in your heart you’ll never achieve, because every time you look at it, you just feel overwhelmed.
Make your business goals realistic and relevant
Honesty is key when it comes to goal setting. So, ask yourself: why do I want to achieve this?
It’s tempting to set yourself the same old clichéd tasks, if only because it’s a new year and you need something to work towards. Maybe other business owners have shared their goals with you, and you feel the need to do the same as them.
But if you don’t care about your goals, you won’t reach them. So, choose tasks that light you up inside…so much so, that you can’t wait to get started!
Reward yourself with positive outcomes
So many goals are written about in negative, rather than positive language (“I must stop checking my emails so often”).
Thinking about the outcomes instead (“I will spend more time doing things I enjoy”) will give your brain a positive boost of energy – and don’t we all need some of that, during these dark January days?
Need help keeping on-track with your goals, whatever they may be? Virtual Assistant Whiz can provide vital admin support on an ad-hoc or regular basis. Contact us at info@virtualassistantwhiz.co.uk to get started.
Recent Comments