We are three weeks into the new year (yes, I know if feels like six already!) and now a is testing time for our New Year’s resolutions. Are you keeping to them, or have they started to slide?
At the beginning of the year, you are full of motivation to stick to your resolutions and as time moves forward, we need discipline to stick to them. As motivation wanes it is the discipline muscle that determines if you keep going with something or decide to quit. Like any muscle we must work on it to make it stronger and maintain it to keep it strong.
Setting goals
In business, like choosing resolutions, we set goals and objectives to aim for (if you aren’t setting goals then it’s about time to start).
The goals we set should follow this basic framework:
- Be specific and well defined.
- Be measurable. The more precise the better and this includes setting dates so you can measure the degree of success.
- Be achievable but stretching.
- Be relevant. They should align with your corporate vision.
- Be time-bound. This provides focus and will increase urgency to achieve.
The common acronym you have probably heard of for goal setting is SMART but regardless of the framework used goal setting is a continuous activity and not a means to an end. Reviews and feedback are vital to assess your progress against your goals. Without goals, reviews or feedback it is like running your business blindfolded.
Ideally, you want your goals to be a powerful as possible. Using the SMART framework will definitely help. Writing your goals down will make them more tangible and real. The exercise of actually writing them down will give you ownership and accountability. I have a white board in my office and that’s where I write my goals, and I can see them every single day. When framing your goal aim to write them positively and with intent. For example, using the word “will” instead of “would like” is more purposeful, powerful and intentional.
As part of your strategic reviews your goals should cover a range of measures designed to keep the whole business moving forwards. A mix of financial, operational, customer and competitor goals will make sure you are hitting all angles.
If you need some pointers or perhaps a full review of your goals in your business get in touch and take advantage of our expertise. Good luck with your goal setting and making it part of your regular ‘health’ checks in your business.
