He Shoots…And Scores!

I remember my first “real” job as an adult.  I was hired to be the assistant to one of the big boys of the company I worked for, as well as his team of 50 engineers.  I was 21 years old, loved my job, and had no clue what I was doing.

I was a computer wiz, could process my reports faster than most of the other assistants, and loved to organize the office, but on days when I was bombarded with responsibilities, I would go into a frenzy trying to figure out just how to get it all done.

After several weeks of my boss watching this go on, he explained to me that the one thing I was missing was making a list, prioritizing it, and then setting goals for myself at the beginning of each day.  The light finally went on and I realized that though I knew where I was supposed to be going, without a clear map of how to get there, I would continue to run around like a chicken with my head cut off.

So began my life of lists and Goal Setting.

Setting goals for yourself and your business is one of the most effective and efficient ways to make use of your time.  Through the years, I’ve learned that when goal setting, there are a few steps you absolutely must take in order to succeed.

Step 1: Be Realistic.  We all have big dreams, and dreams are good.  They are what drive us.  However, be honest with yourself and know what your abilities, time, and limitations will allow you to do.

Step 2: Be Passionate.  If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, chances are you won’t be very good at it.

Step 3: Plan Ahead.  Know where you want to end up and then work your way backwards.  Figure out what specific steps need to be taken in order to succeed and take things one-step at a time.  This will also help you to see the picture more clearly and be more realistic.  Also, set specific dates for when each step needs to be completed.

Step 4: Be Accountable.  Find someone you trust who will be willing to hold you accountable for the goals you set.  Give them your written list of goals and have them hold you to it.

Step 5: WRITE THEM DOWN.  This one is the most important.  If you hide them in your head, most likely that’s where they’ll stay.  Write them down and keep them in a location where you will see them. Refer to them often and don’t be afraid to revise them when necessary.

One of the best feelings in the world is crossing off your goals as you achieve them.  This might sound strange, and it’s probably more of a “girl thing”, but I also like to write my goals down on pretty paper.  It’s just a little more pleasing to my eye and gets me just a little more excited to look at the goals I’ve set for myself.

Well, now that I can cross this article off my list.  On I move to the next goal…

Happy Goal Setting!