The start of a new year is always peppered with the buzz of everyone’s “New Year’s resolutions”. People are gung-ho, and ready to turn over a new leaf. Then about 2 weeks into the New Year those same people are back to their old ways, feeling deflated and like they failed. That’s because a resolution is nothing more than a proclamation of change without a plan or realistic steps on how to achieve it, and, frankly, resolutions simply don’t work.
Goals, however, do work. Not just goals, but SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound).
For example, a commonly failed resolution is to “get in shape”. That’s why every January the gym is always packed with ambitious folks who vowed to “get in shape”, but by February, those same folks are nowhere to be found.
I suggest, instead of making a resolution to get into shape, make a plan on how to get in shape, and hold yourself accountable by making it a SMART Goal.
An example of a SMART goal that will achieve the desired results is: In one year, I want to run a half marathon.
• Specific: There is a clear end goal (half marathon)
• Measurable: A half marathon is a defined length
• Achievable: No unrealistic obstacles, there is enough time to prepare and train
• Relevant: Training for a half marathon will get you in shape
• Time-bound: Must be completed in one year
Now that your SMART goal is set, a well put together plan is critical.
The most important step to achieving a goal is execution: Execution eats vision for lunch! As with anything in life, if you don’t execute on it, you won’t accomplish it.
How is this goal going to be accomplished?
Break it down into monthly goals and weekly goals. By breaking the goal into “chunks” or sub goals it creates milestones to stay on track and create small victories along the way. For example, start by walking one mile for one week. Run a 5K by April 1st. Run a 10K by June 1st. Ask questions: What do I have to do to run a 5K? Should I download an app for my phone? Do I have anyone that will run with me (buddy system)?
My success is a direct result of goal setting. My career didn’t take off until I began to regularly set goals. Now, every December I prepare my next year’s goals and update my Five-Year Goals (personal and business). And, I utilize monthly and daily activity sheets to track my progress. I even set personal goals, like “call mom twice a week”.
At Scheer Partners, I am proud to say we take goal setting seriously. Scheer Partners recently conducted goal setting workshops for the team. The salaried employees complete monthly goals and the agents have yearly business plans that they break into monthly and weekly milestones/outbound activities.
Creating and fulfilling goals creates focus and builds self-confidence. In addition to increasing productivity, goal setting is a morale booster.
“No one’s ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that’s abandoned by February.” ~Suze Orman
Robert Scheer, Founder & President
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