Setting Powerful Goals

Why Set Goals?

The process of setting and achieving goals can be like building a ladder from where you are to where you want to be. Sharp, clearly defined goals that are meaningful to you can give you a sense of purpose and improve your self-confidence. Simply knowing where you are going can mean that you will get there faster, just ask Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. Writing your goals down and sharing with others can increase your chance of successfully completing them. 

How to Successfully Achieve Your Goals

Goal achievement is influenced by writing meaningful goals, committing to goal-directed actions, and being accountable for those actions. Below are five steps for writing your goals:

1. Set Goals that Motivate You – make sure that they are important to you. Relate the goal to the priorities in your life, and then focus the goal down to its essence. One great check is to ask yourself “Why?” after you’ve written the goal down, and keep asking until you have the single nugget of purpose. Then rewrite the goal to address that purpose.
2. Set SMART Goals

Specific – well defined; clear to anyone who has a basic knowledge of the project

Measurable – know if the goal is obtainable and how far away completion is; know when it has been achieved.

Achievable – results are attainable.

Relevant – relates directly to company goals, and measures actual outputs such as products, deliverables and accomplishments

Time-Framed – enough time to achieve the goal; not too much time

3. Write Your Goals Down – this makes it real and tangible. Use positive action words like “will” instead of “would like.”
4. Make an Action Plan – plan all of the steps needed along the way. By writing down each step, then crossing each one off as you complete it, you can measure progress towards your goal.

Here’s an interesting fact: each time we successfully achieve something, our brain releases the reward chemical dopamine. Dopamine activates the part of the brain responsible for pleasure, learning and motivation. Thus, the more you succeed, the more likely you are to continue.

5. Stick with It – build in reminders to focus, review your goals regularly, and communicate your plan to someone who will hold you accountable.

Writing goals is a skill that improves with practice. I have been using the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey as a goal-setting platform for many years, and each year I refine the process and get better at setting goals that I am motivated to achieve. Each year I review my goals over time and realize that my life is truly a tapestry, not just a series of random events.

5 Steps to Planning A Successful Project

The key to a successful project is in the planning.  Creating a project plan is the first thing you should do when undertaking any kind of project.  Taking the time to plan a project can seem tedious, especially when you are excited about the potential outcome, but having a project plan can save time, money, and many problems.  There are five elements of a project plan:

1. Goals:  A project is successful when the needs of the stakeholders have been met.  The best way to determine who the stakeholders are and their needs is to conduct interviews.  Take the time to understand the true needs that create real benefits.  Once you have a comprehensive list of needs, assign them a priority level and create a set of  SMART goals.  Record the set of goals in the project plan.   
2. Deliverables:  Create a list of things from the goals that the project needs to deliver in order to meet those goals.  Specify how each item should be delivered.  Add them to the project plan, under the relevant goal, with an estimated delivery date.
3. Schedule:  Create a list of tasks to be carried out for each deliverable.  Identify the amount of time required to complete the task, the resource, and any contingencies to carrying out the task.  Use this information to refine the estimated delivery dates listed under the deliverables. One of the common realizations is that the project has an unrealistic timeline based on your estimates.  Consider the following actions to reestablish expectations:  1)  Renegotiation of the deadline (project delay); 2)  Employment of additional resources (increased cost or personnel); 3)  Reduction in the scope of the project (less delivered)
4. Budget:  Assign a cost for each deliverable.  Be sure to include resource wages; equipment purchases, maintenance, or rental; supplies; and contractor costs.
5. Supporting Plans:  Below is a suggested list of plans that could be a simple, one-page memo to support your project plan.

• Human Resource Plan - a list of participants and resources, with their roles and responsibilities
• Communications Plan - a document outlining who needs to be kept informed of project progress, as well as frequency and method of communication
• Risk Management Plan - identify as many risks to your project as possible.  Track the risks with a simple log, write down what you will do in the event that it occurs, and what you will do to prevent it from occurring.  Some examples of risks are:  time and cost estimates too optimistic, unexpected budget cuts, unclear roles and responsibilities, poor communication, and lack of resources.

photo courtesy of MyStrategicPlan.com

Project planning is a skill that improves with practice.  The first project will take some time to develop, but keep at it, for you will find that this exercise will help you to keep the project on track and to clearly communicate expectations.

The Busy Habit

          As a small business owner, you know what busy is.  Often, you are wearing multiple hats and performing jobs in which you have little or no training or background.  You know you'll figure it out eventually, or grow your business and hire someone else to do it.  In the meantime, you are spending a lot of time learning new skills and, well, running a business.
          Busy is an attitude, not a state of being.  Creating habits to help you stay organized and manage your schedule can reduce your stress level, and give you confidence in your day.  You will probably have as much, or more, to do; but you will feel like it is manageable.  

• First, write out your to do list, highlight the important tasks (no more than five), cross off the rest, then store the list in your drawer.  The To Do List exercise is a good tool to focus your thoughts and help you keep your eye on the big ticket items, but you can burn a lot of time tending to it and a long list can make you feel defeated before you've even started.  At the end of the day, get out the list and rewrite it for the next day, adding any tasks that came in during the day, but save the highlighting for when you are fresh the next morning.  Put a big check mark next to completed items and enjoy that satisfying feeling.  
• Second, set realistic expectations early and often.  Your customers, suppliers, and employees may demand more from your business than you are prepared or capable of giving.  Know your limitations, communicate that, and then stick to them.  You may have to get in the habit of considering your calendar and capabilities before you accept a new obligation.  Practice saying "sure, but can I get that to you tomorrow (or another reasonable time frame)?"
• Last, use your email program to organize and schedule your time, then commit to sticking to it.  Most programs come with reminders, tasks, and the ability to move emails to your calendar.  Categorize your emails and tasks during your To Do List exercise.  Block time on your calendar for administrative tasks, phone calls, meetings, and follow up.  When you are obligating yourself or your business, open the calendar and use it.

If you keep these three points in mind as you work through your day, how you spend your time becomes easy.  Just like a diet or new exercise regime, being organized is a habit.  The initial effort takes time, but eventually it will become a background part of your day.  If you find yourself slipping, or you have a "busy" day, take a deep breath, remember that tomorrow is another chance, and forgive yourself.