Goals are the targets you set to turn your dreams into reality. They help you take your business to the next level by forcing you to focus your attention on the activities that lead to more referrals, more sales and more income.
When setting your goals for the year, it’s essential to take into account your goals from the previous year. Not only can you build on them, but you can also learn from the challenges you might have faced in the process of achieving your objective. So, let’s look at where you’re at as the year comes to a close.
You met and surpassed your goals in 2015
Congratulations! You really knocked it out of the park in 2015. Now is the time up the ante. Think about the goals you set for 2015 — were they challenging or easy to meet?
If you found it easy to reach your goals last year, set the bar much higher. Although it’s important to be realistic, it’s also essential to have a challenge to strive for, especially if you want to keep moving your business forward.
If your goals were challenging, but you still achieved them, aim a bit higher this year. Tap into the habits and skills you developed to help you achieve your goals again in 2016. Remember, challenges help your business grow and thrive.
Keep in mind:
- Did you face challenges? How did you react to them?
- What helped you stay motivated?
- What would you have done differently and the same?
The answers to these questions will help you set your goals this time around and give you the perspective and motivation you need to achieve again.
You didn’t reach the goals you set
Did challenges or setbacks prevent you from achieving your goals this year, despite your best efforts? Was the goal too challenging for you at this time? If you didn’t achieve your goals this year, don’t feel bad.
Instead, think about what happened and answer these questions:
- What were the challenges or setbacks you experienced?
- Was there anything you could have done to stay on track to reach your goals?
- What did you learn?
- How will you approach these challenges should you face them again?
See it as a learning experience rather than a failure. Then, adjust the goal. If it was too ambitious last year, lower it to a more realistic level.
If your progress was marred by challenges and setbacks, attempt it again this year, but try a different approach. Whatever you do, don’t give up.
What goals?
How will you know you’ve succeeded if you don’t have a target to aim for? Goals focus your attention on boosting your sales, which not only puts your business on the path to success, but it also puts more money in your pocket.
In short, if you want to be a true pro, you can’t afford not to have goals. If you’ve never set goals before, follow these tips:
- Be specific and realistic
- Write them down
- Review your goals often
Finally, be patient. Progress takes time; however, if you commit to a system, track your activities and maintain a positive attitude, you’re sure to succeed.
Are you ready to set goals for 2016?
Brian Buffini is the Chairman and Founder of Buffini & Company. You can follow Brian and Buffini & Company on Facebook.