Goal Setting Made Simple: 7 Steps for Success

Business SuccessDo you have goals or simply a destination? There’s a big difference. See, many business owners and executives believe they have goals when they actually have what’s better described as a “destination” – or a loosely defined point at which they’ll feel they’ve achieved success. Actual goal setting involves both qualitative and quantitative components.

Qualitative definitions get you started by identifying the feelings or circumstances you want to realize (aka the destination). A common example of this would be the desire “to be financially independent.”

Quantitative definitions allow you to build an actionable roadmap with a clear finish line. For example, “having $1,000,000 in liquid assets by the time I celebrate my 50th birthday.”

Goal setting is a skill that’s learned and developed over time, and it’s a powerful tool for accomplishing your greatest ambitions.

7 Steps for Successful Goal Setting

Like many skills, there’s a process to follow when developing your goal setting abilities. These seven steps are designed to simply the process – taking you from where you are today to where you want to be in the future.

  1. Definition

    – Before you can make progress towards your goals, you need to decide what you want most in your life. Be specific, as though you were speaking to a precocious child, and write it down. Think of this as a brainstorming session between your current and future selves.

  2. Measures

    – Achieving a goal means knowing what success will look like. This means transforming the “wishes” you brainstormed above and making them measurable. If your goal is financial, then set a target number. If your goal is about work/life balance, then identify the number of hours you’d like to put towards personal endeavors each week.

  3. Deadlines –

    Some professionals work better with deadlines and others with timelines. Regardless of which you prefer, goal setting requires a definition of time. Be absolutely clear about when you want to achieve your goal. Otherwise, the “someday mindset” will inevitably take over.

  4. Obstacles –

    We live in a world of obstacles, plain and simple. By taking the time to identify all the potential barriers to success, you’ll be less likely to get thrown off course when one arises. The more clarity you develop at this stage, the better prepared you’ll be to overcome challenges when they arise.

  5. Additional Skills –

    As Brian Tracy says, “to accomplish something you have never achieved before, you will have to learn and practice something you have never done before.” Will you need to improve your sales strategy? Optimize your productivity? Develop an effective management style? By determining any additional knowledge or skills you’ll need to master, you can create a plan for moving forward.

  6. Partners –

    Very few goals are accomplished without help. Start exploring how you can fill gaps in your own expertise by leveraging external resources. For a deeper look at “Leverage,” read our post: The Grand Slam Formula: How to Increase Productivity & Maximize Your Time.

  7. Prioritize –

    Who doesn’t want to accomplish all their goals right now? Unfortunately, there are only so many hours in the day. You’ll be better equipped to stay on track if you look at the list you’ve just created and organize it by sequence and priority. In the end, you’ll have a step-by-step action plan that will lead you to your final destination.

Learn More About Goal Setting with FocalPoint Canada:

At FocalPoint Canada, we guide our clients in overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities with proven processes and methodologies that have been used by thousands of successful businesses over the past two decades. Our FocalPoint business coaches use their expertise to teach our time-tested methods through individual coaching, group sessions, or trainings and workshops.

It all starts with a conversation. It all starts with a conversation, click here to get started.

 

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