The Top 2 Things That Will Help You Meet Your 2017 Goals
(In the spirit of full disclosure, there may be affiliate links in this article, which means that I may get a commission if you decide to purchase anything through those links. I only recommend products & services that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.)
Personally, I'm not a fan of New Year's Resolutions. They typically don't work. They're well intentioned, but by day 10 they tend to fizzle.
When it comes to business goals the same fizzle effect can happen. As we get ready to start 2017, I'm convinced there are two things that will help me meet my business goals.
#1 - Goal Setting with Action Items
It takes more than setting a generic goal. If I list "Writing 1-2 Blog Posts a Week" as a goal, but don't list Action Items of how I'm going to make that happen, then...it won't happen. I need to create Action items, such as an Editorial Calendar or actually setting aside time in my calendar to write Blog Posts.
One thing I'm super excited about when it comes to Goal Setting with Action Items is getting a good yearly planner from Day Designer. I'm a visual person, so I need to see Lists. Lists make me happy. If I can see it down on paper then it's more manageable for me. What's different about this planner is that each day has a page. One side is broken down by hours. The other side of the page has an entire section for lists and notes. Most planners only leave a very small area for notes, which definitely doesn't work for me.
Now I can set my Day Designer up for the year, writing in daily, weekly and monthly goals that I can measure and check off. For whatever reason, putting Goals in writing and breaking them down into manageable chunks or Action Items keeps me on track much better than keeping a generic list of Goals. If I set aside every Monday morning for writing Blog Posts and block that off on my Day Designer, I have a better chance of achieving that goal.
I'll still use my iCalendar in my phone for appointments, but I can't wait to organize all my thoughts and watch them come into fruition, which leads me to the next thing that will ensure my Goal Making success.
#2 - Accountability Partner
Years ago, in another business, I had an Accountability Partner when it came to my Monthly Goals. We'd set aside an hour or so each month to talk about our individual goals and how we planned to make them happen. We'd also list out our successes from previous months.
Accountability is so much more than telling a friend or spouse about your plans. You really need someone who can be honest and objective. Someone who will tell you the truth in love, but will push you for more. They need to be someone who is tune to your personality, too. For me, I need someone who will listen, be empathetic and will encourage me. If I had an Accountability Partner that didn't mesh with my personality type, I'd easily get discouraged.
Think about someone who you'd like to be your Business Accountability Partner. This also doesn't mean you have to stick with that person forever. You can "court" so to speak. Find a person who you think might be a good fit and ask them if they'd like to share their Goals & Action Items with you for the upcoming month. If it works out, make an appointment to do it again for the next month and so on. (But make sure you put it on your calendar!)
Today is the day, friend. You are the only one who can make this happen. Get a good yearly Planner that works for you. (Feel free to use my affiliate link for the Day Designer. It doesn't matter what Planner you use, just get one that works for you.) Set Goals with Action Items. And then find a good Accountability Partner. I'm routing for you!
Blessings,
