All About Setting Goals

Achieving Your Goals


-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --

Much has been written about achieving your goals. For the Solo Entrepreneur, pursuing goals can be an even bigger challenge than most. The very independence that appeals to Solo-E's often leads to an extremely full plate. The weekly 168 hours is not enough to do everything on the list, to say nothing of pursuing goals. Stop for a minute and consider what could be different.

1. What Are My Goals? This sounds simple, but the answer can hinder your progress if not related to values and stated very specifically and written down.

VALUES Goals reflect your values and what's important to you. For each goal, make a clear link to one of your values. Some common values are achievement, balance, commitment, honesty, self-respect, and risk-taking (there are many more). Therefore, you must know your core vales FIRST, and then see how your goals relate to them.

SPECIFIC The more specific you are about your goals the more likely they will be achieved. A goal of "more money" is not specific enough. How much money? Name an amount, for example "$10,000 each month". A goal of "more clients" can be more specific. For example, "20 new clients within 3 months" is clearer.

WRITTEN Another simple guideline that is regularly ignored. The value of getting goals out of your head and onto paper cannot be underestimated. Don't think about this one, just do it!

2. How Will I Get There? Consider these two important elements; a plan and an attitude.

For the plan, create a written document. It should be no longer than one page. The format that I recommend includes answers to the following: A. What is the goal? (relate to values) B. What are the alternatives? C. What are the action steps? D. What could get in the way? E. What will I do and by when? On a regular basis, plan to review it and update it when needed.

For the attitude, adopt an optimistic outlook and be open to surprises. Since even the most well-written plans have unexpected outcomes, stay flexible and open to opportunities while working your plan.

3. What If I Don't Have Time? This is the most common complaint. A CALENDAR MAKEOVER is the way to create time. Look at your calendar for the past week. Identify something that was "Urgent but not Important". Here is an opportunity to delegate to someone else, automate it with a system, negotiate for a different outcome, or just eliminate it. Now, think through last week and identify time wasters such as web or TV channel surfing, chatting on the telephone, or any activity that you did instead of your "to do" list. Most people can free up at least 2 hours/week or 8 hours/month with a rigorous calendar makeover. Imagine what could happen if this time were spent on your goals!

4. What Gets In The Way? Excuses for not taking action such as "being too old" or "too late to start". Sam Walton built the first Wal-Mart at age 43. Many people use previous rejection as a big barrier because they fear failure. The bestseller "Chicken Soup For The Soul" was rejected by over 33 publishers. What gets in your way? Identify it upfront and decide what to do to address it.

TIMELY TIPS -- Write it Down

-- Pick a Partner

-- Get Very Specific

-- Create a Visual Cue

-- Practice Saying "NO"

-- Practice Self-Care

-- Be Willing to Try Again

-- Celebrate Milestones

Copyright 2004, Charlotte Farrior

____________________________________________

Charlotte Farrior of Coaching Connection (http://www.corporatecoaching101.com) and Founder/Team Member of Solo-E (http://www.Solo-E.com) is a corporate and professional coach. She works with professionals, entrepreneurs, directors, and executives to define and achieve the personal and business goals they set for themselves. She coaches in the areas of goal setting, skill development, priority management and career transitions.

____________________________________________

*********** Find more articles like this at http://www.Solo-E.com - Keeping Solo Entrepreneurs Juiced in Business and in Life. Our team of Solo Entrepreneurs are comprised of small business experts who support others in finding business success with the flexibility and freedom to have a life, too. Network with other freelancers, self-employed and Solo Entrepreneurs in our forums, enjoy our articles and newsletter, and find other online training opportunities. ***********


MORE RESOURCES:

Bristol Personal Development Goal Setting Seminar
Emailwire - May 13, 2008
Where he will share some powerful life changing Self Development and Goal Setting tools with YOU. Visit http://www.you-can-be.com/ to learn more today.


Peach school board plans goal-setting retreat
Macon Telegraph, GA - May 1, 2008
By Jake Jacobs - jjacobs@macon.com Superintendent Susan Clark wants the Peach County school system off SACS probation. The sooner, the better. ...


Goal setting advice for freelance writers and copywriters.
Wire Service Canada (press release), Canada - Apr 16, 2008
Nick Usborne's Goal Setting Rituals is the second in a series of guides created to help freelance writers and copywriters increase their productivity and ...


Pool Board to hold goal setting workshop on April 21
Reno Gazette Journal, NV - Apr 16, 2008
FERNLEY--The Fernley Swimming Pool Board will hold a goal-setting workshop on April 21, from 10 am -4 pm in the Fernley City Hall Conference Room, ...


Director of Customer Care
Cable360.net, NY - 7 hours ago
Maximize employee satisfaction, development and performance through goal setting and performance management practices. ...


National Student innovation Awards
Ottawa Start (press release), Canada - 10 hours ago
Students create their own “ventures” and work with their mentors to enhance their enterprising skills such as goal setting, critical thinking, communicating ...


Jamaica Gleaner

Title: The Handbook Of Personal Financial Planning
Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - Apr 20, 2008
And. after they have been through 'Goal Setting', 'Bud-geting', 'Savings,' 'Debt,' 'Net Worth' and 'Tax Planning,' among other topics, the concept of ...


NABE Announces Winners of the 2007 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
PR-CANADA.net (press release), Montenegro - 12 hours ago
Annette is also the author of newly released Body Redesign: Goal Setting Secrets to a Happier, Thinner You. Your Highest Potential: The New Psychology of ...


BCLocalNews

N. Van’s McHugh best in world — again
BCLocalNews, Canada - 15 hours ago
McHugh, who offers no secret tips other than sensible eating, ambitious goal-setting and consistent training, credits much of her success to her friends at ...


PANORAMA SCHOOL BOARD
The Guthrian, IA - 17 hours ago
He's involved in goal setting for school administrators. Middle School - Mark Johnston, principal, reported the middle school went to SportsPlex West in ...

Goal-Setting - Google News

home | site map
tons-of-articles.com © 2006