Information... Tools... Confidence
To Build Your Business and Enjoy Your Life

by Denise Barnwell

One of the simplest things we can do to improve business results is to write down our goals.

“Getting your goals onto paper is the magical formula,” according to Veronica Holcomb––and every other respected expert on achieving excellence. For 20 years, Veronica has used goal-setting to systematically build a successful business as a leadership strategist and coach for Fortune 50 clients. Her forthcoming book, Ready, Set Grow! 10 Success Strategies for Winning in the Workplace, dedicates an entire chapter to goals.

“Getting your goals on paper increases the probability of your success because it causes you to crystallize your thinking,” Veronica writes. “Your goals become embedded in your subconscious and create a mindset that leads you toward achieving them. As a result, you find yourself making decisions and becoming attracted to people, places, and things that facilitate the achievement of those goals.”

Of course, the magic isn’t something spooky going on in the universe. “It’s simply and powerfully your ability to focus on what you want and to consciously and unconsciously work to make your dreams come true,” Veronica concludes.

Power and pitfalls. Goals can be a power tool to transform your business when used properly. But, improper goals can cripple you. Set your goals too high and you’ll quickly experience frustration, feelings of failure, and want to give up. Goals set too low won’t motivate you.

In your own business, the point of goals is not just to have a measuring stick. Goals serve as a vehicle to achieve the things you want for yourself, your family, and your community.

The best goals are SMART. A well-crafted goal is specific, clear and unambiguous. Write your goals so they pass the S.M.A.R.T. test:

Strategic - aligned with the results you want
Measurable - specific and quantifiable
Achievable - attainable, not impossible
Realistic – based on facts, experience, and wise judgment
Time bound – tied to specific completion dates

How do you get started? If you’re used to writing goals, you know all it takes is setting aside the quiet time, grabbing pen, paper, and just doing it. If you want to begin mastering goals as a tool for your business success, block time on your calendar right now to do do just that. Then what? Although we don’t talk about it much, most people seldom achieve goals solely on their own. In fact, having advisors who hold you accountable is key to building discipline, staying on track and reaping the rewards. Don’t always try to achieve your goals alone. You may need a professional mentor or coach, a close friend, a business support group, or an inspiring book.

Let your first goal be to write your goals today!

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