Do you set New Year’s Resolutions? I found that often the resolution wouldn’t have enough meaning for me and would get forgotten in the busy-ness of life. But some years ago I got the idea to start setting goals for the year – part of ensuring my business plan would get reviewed and actioned. I probably read about it somewhere and started to do this each January.
Last January (2007) I set aside a whole day to think about what I wanted to do and to set goals that met both personal and business needs in my life. I wrote them out by hand and then set them up in PowerPoint. The goals are printed in colour and large type, often with pictures that reflect the goals, then laminated and stuck on my office wall above my computer monitor so they are visible on a daily basis. Helps me keep on track and I usually meet at least 75% of the goals each year.
New Year’s Resolutions frequently don’t have a date set for achievement and often are not documented – they’re just something that are in your mind. Have your goals clear in your mind and somewhere where you can see them daily. There will always be things that come along to distract you every single day but if you know where you are heading, you will get there, even if you take a few detours along the way.
There are other things that might help you too: you need to be consumed by your goal or vision, the desire has to be there – strong enough to override the difficult times. In other words you need to be passionate about what you’re doing, otherwise it will be easy to let it go when obstacles come along.
Refocus – there will be times when you’ll need to take time out and refocus and reassess. This doesn’t mean you’re failing but it does mean you need to get back on track.
Finally find someone you can become accountable to – a business partner (silent or active), a spouse, a business coach, a prayer buddy – someone you can connect with regularly to discuss what’s happening and how you’re progressing.
So, are you going to have any New Year’s resolutions for 2008 or will you be setting goals (in concrete) for action?
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To read what my Pastor said about resolutions at church on the weekend, visit Workplace-Ministry.
Abbas says
Nice post but the goal are never going to complete. the more we have the more we need..
Kathie Thomas says
The idea behind setting goals is to achieve them and then move on to new goals, otherwise we remain stagnant. Goals are not necessarily about material gain but can be about personal and professional development and growth. My own goals are a mixture of both personal growth and development and business growth and development. After all, being a VA is about being in business and so there needs to be some goals set there, otherwise business fails over time.
Pam Archer says
Kathie,
These are very good tips. I find myself with all my goals and dreams fighting for space in my head. Maybe if I put them down on paper, it will free up my brain to actually work on them!
You are awesome!
Pam Archer
http://www.idoweddings.wordpress.com