Chicago Home and Lifestyles –  Goal plan for the New Year

Yes, we are in the middle of the holiday season and who has time to even think about the New Year. But studies show that the most successful people always set out their goals for the year! It’s best to separate your business goals and your personal goals. Don’t forget the personal ones. For a balanced life we need to pay attention to our personal life also. 

To get serious about our goal setting we need to use a good formula. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym used to describe and formulate your goals. If we want to have goals that are attainable, we need to make sure our goals fit the S.M.A.R.T. system. 

S stands for specific. You can’t just say I want to lose weight, or I want more clients next year. Exactly how much weight? How many more clients? I want to work out more, how many times will you work out a week? The more specific you get will ensure that you will be successful. Many times, goals are too vague with no sense of direction. 

M stands for measurable. Instead of saying I want to make more money next year, put a number there. Weight loss, the same. Knowing your numbers here is important. Business wise especially. If you are in sales, how many connections do you need to make in order to procure a piece of business? Without a way to measure progress how can you tell you’re progressing?

A stands for attainable. Goals must be realistic. Of course, you want to challenge yourself but to state a goal that has little or no chance to be achieved sets you up for failure. Losing 20 pounds in January sounds great but not likely to happen. Remember, goals achieved quickly can be changed easily. Start out small. 

R stands for realistic. Realistic, as we have mentioned before. You need to think about whether that goal is reachable considering your resources. Most importantly, are you able to commit to achieving this goal? 

T stands for timely. Goals need to be time bound. Hear is where your small steps come in. You may want to lose thirty pounds this year but break it down to 2-3 pounds per month, which is the healthy way it can be attainable. Business goals need a deadline too. Monthly or quarterly, we need to assess how our plans are progressing. Adjustments can be made early before you get off track. 

Try to fit in a little goal setting during your holiday season. Start out small with some achievable goals and keep track. You will find out you can really improve your business and personal life with a little planning. 

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago