Have you made your New Year’s resolution already? Going to lose weight, spend more time with the kids, quit smoking, or get organized? It seems to be the thing to do each New Year. I’m sure we’ve all made some type of resolution but how did it work out? What were your results? Did you achieve what you wanted?
Unfortunately, most people that make New Year’s resolutions actually don’t achieve the results that they state. If you are like most people, you typically abandon your resolution before January is even over. In fact statistics show that only 46% of people that make a new year’s resolution can maintain it past six months.
Making a New Year’s resolution is nothing more than establishing a personal goal. It more commonly involves stopping something that we are doing or includes starting something that we aren’t.
What about goals for your business? Are you happy with your results in 2010? Do you want to have another year exactly like this one? If not, now is the time to start planning for next year.
In the business world, we commonly utilize the S.M.A.R.T. method for establishing goals. S.M.A.R.T. stands for:
Specific — stated in clear, objective terms
Measurable — the results of the objective can be measured
Achievable — the goal is in your realm of responsibility and control
Results-Oriented — the goal should define the specific results to be achieved
Time-Bound — specific time-frame information or target deadlines are included
You should establish personal goals and business goals as well. In fact, both your personal goals and business goals should be supportive of each other. Establishing and achieving both personal and business goals can generate a synergistic effect. Achieving one of your goals should get you closer to achieving another one. For example, stating that you want to get more organized at work and work fewer hours should support your personal goal of spending more time with your family and friends.
Similar to the S.M.A.R.T. method above, before you establish personal goals, you must be sure of a few things. It’s important to evaluate your goals before you commit. There are several questions that you should ask first:
1. Can I actually control it?
2. Do I really want it?
3. How much time will it take?
4. How will it impact others?
5. How will I measure my success?
The answers to these questions are critical if you intend on being successful with your goals. These questions are your foundation to helping you become victorious. Make sure you understand why these questions are so important.
Can I actually control it?
You won’t be successful if you establish a goal that you have little or no control over. Don’t waste your time and energy on setting a goal that you realistically can’t achieve. “I want to make more money!” Is that a realistic goal? Not really. It’s more of a result of some other action that must take place first. Now if you state “I will improve my profit by 25%” or “I will work an average of 10% less in 2011”, and you achieve these, then most likely, you will experience making more money. Just stating that you will make more money isn’t really a true goal.
Do I really want it?
This is my favorite question. Is this something that you really want or is it something that would make you look better or to make someone else happy? These aren’t necessarily the same thing. How many times do people say they will quit smoking? I know an individual that says he can quit anytime he wants to. He says he’s quit multiple times! Well, think about it, if he really wanted to quit smoking, why did he start back up again? Did he quit to make himself look good or to make someone else happy? I know this individual very well, and yes, he has “quit multiple times” to make his wife happier. I’m not sure how happy she is when he starts back up again, but for him, it seems to be a recurring cycle.
Make sure that every goal that you establish is something that you really want to do and you can commit to it 100%. If not, don’t waste your time on it. You wouldn’t want your employees to commit to a goal that they did not intend to achieve. Why would you expect anything different from yourself?
How much time will it take?
Make sure you realize the time commitment that is involved for you to achieve your goals. This isn’t insinuating that you should establish short goals or ones that are easy to achieve. It means that you must be aware of the amount of time that it will take you to achieve them. Every goal must have a specific time frame included much similar to a deadline. It does no good to set a goal and basically give yourself a lifetime to achieve it nor does it help to try to achieve it all at once. You have to be specific on how much time you expect to take to accomplish the task. It needs to be a realistic amount of time. Don’t expect to lose 10 pounds in a week. It’s not going to happen. Take it one step at a time. Also, don’t expect to devote the majority of your time to any one goal. If you can’t commit to the amount of time that it will take you or to the duration of it then don’t bother making it a goal. It means nothing to you or anyone else to set a goal that you know that you won’t be able to achieve due to the amount of time that it will take.
How will it impact others?
How many people will my efforts toward achieving my goal impact? Will it impact them negatively or positively? Keep these in mind as you set your goals. How will those impacted react to my commitment and hopefully to my results?
How will I measure my success?
Every goal must be measurable. This is so you will know if you are on track, how much you have accomplished and how much you have left to go. It is also to make you aware if you are failing at your tasks. The measure part is one of the most critical parts of establishing a goal. They serve as check points along the way.
Once you feel comfortable that you have given your goals some careful consideration and have selected them, write them down on paper and post them where you can see them on a daily basis. It could be in your day planner, it could be on your bathroom mirror, it could be in your car. Just make them visible where you see and read them every day of the week. Post them in multiple places. Don’t just post them by your computer at work. You will only see them when you are at work and not on your days off and when you are away. Keep in mind, that if others see your goals posted, they will be curious on how you are doing with them. They might ask questions or even watch you more closely to see if you are making progress. They have a tendency to become an informal cheerleader in supporting you along. But they will also be the first to remind you that you are not doing so well if they don’t see you trying hard enough.
Read your goals out loud at least once per day. This helps establish a mental picture of what you are hoping to accomplish. It helps remind you of what you have committed to and also helps you keep them in mind longer throughout the day.
I hope you realize that the goals themselves are really not the key point, commitment is the key point. Without personal commitment, you have words on a piece of paper, nothing more, and nothing less. As with any goal, the commitment, the drive, the want-to is what really determines if you are successful or not. Just as we previously discussed, “Do I really want it?” If the answer it truly “not really”, move on to something else. Again, having your goals posted helps others view your real level of commitment.
From my experience, those that show commitment are typically strong willed individuals and are usually strong leaders. Those that don’t are typically those that don’t lead very well. Don’t set goals without commitment and don’t commit to something that isn’t realistic.
The next important part is tenacity or the unwillingness to give up on your goals. Some say the definition of tenacity is stubbornness, I say it is diligence. Either way, don’t give up and let failure be the winner in your life. Do whatever it takes to accomplish your goals. Sometimes, it might take longer that you planned, or it might require that you make some dramatic changes to accomplish them, but if the goal means that much to you and “You really want it!”, then figure out how to make it happen. You sometimes have to incorporate some flexibility into your goals. This is something that you want to limit and be very cautious on because too much flexibility can steer you way off course from your original goal. Allowing flexibility in the duration of the time or the direction that it takes to get there is usually OK. Do not allow flexibility or variation on the results of your goal. By doing so means that you changed your goal to make it easier to hit. That isn’t tenacity, it is a compromise. They are not the same. Compromise is a variation from your original agreement. Making the goal easier to hit isn’t the purpose.
There is no better feeling than establishing a tough but achievable goal and accomplishing it in the anticipated amount of time or less. Write down your goals, establish measure points, define a time that you honestly believe that it can happen, and get to work!
And remember, Don’t Give Up!!
One of the most important parts of any goal is accountability! You have to either hold yourself accountable for your goals or find someone else to hold you accountable. If there is not consequences of your actions (or lack thereof), then what is the point of having a goal? If you want to be successful in 2011, then you have to be accountable for your results!
If you need any help in establishing your 2011 goals, or if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Looking for a GPS for Christmas?
Now that we are past Thanksgiving, that quickly moves us into the Christmas season. Time for giving. Christmas has become consumed with shopping, shopping and shopping for that perfect gift for your friends and loved ones.
One of the hottest gifts the last couple of years has been a GPS (global positioning system) for your vehicle. It has become a very helpful friend to those that do a lot of driving, both business and pleasure. It can be helpful in getting the kids to their destinations for soccer, volleyball and baseball games. It’s great for finding that out of the way business address in the dark of the night in a pouring down rain storm. It can also be a helping hand when traveling out of town, helping you find the perfect place to stop and eat. A GPS has been a good investment for many. That’s why they are so popular.
As most of you are aware, a GPS instrument is a pretty amazing and affordable piece of technology. You always have a clear destination, specific directions to get there, and know your progress along the way. Based on variable factors (speed, length of stops, etc.) it also continually calculates your expected time of arrival...pretty cool. As such, using a GPS for driving assistance is very similar to using a business coach to help you manage your business. Both instruments (GPS and a business coach) are affordable, objective, empowering, provide clarity of direction, and keep you from getting off course and lost.
Similar to a GPS, business coaching provides you with clarity of direction and confidence you'll get there. A business coach will help you define in writing your desired destination (ideal future)...where you want your business and life to be. Specifically, a coach will help you crystallize your dreams, desires, wishes, and goals. Possessing such clarity of direction and knowing your specific, desired outcomes empowers you and provides you with amazing confidence.
Note, neither a business coach nor a GPS will tell you where to go...you are the driver, in charge, and YOU get to decide on the destination you want. After all, it's your business and life...YOU should decide all such important matters. Never abdicate that power and privilege to others. Furthermore, an effective business coach (unlike a consultant) will not tell you where to go, what to do or how to do it...they will help you discover for yourself where you want to go and what needs to change in your business and life for greater results. Rightfully so, with a business coach as your GPS, you still remain in charge of your business and destiny...you simply have an engaged, valuable, and objective guide along for the ride.
Once you know your destination, a business coach, like a GPS, helps you map out a plan to get you from where you are now to where you want to be (ideal future). While the plan may not be a specific turn-by-turn guide, a coach will help you create a focused and strategic action plan to help guide you and gauge your progress. Our certified Growth Coaches will also insist that you update and adjust your action plan at least every 90 days. Such a vibrant and fresh plan will provide you with focus, discipline, and meaningful action steps...you will be on a path to greater success and fulfillment.
Next, a Growth Coach will provide on-going accountability to keep you on track for achieving the destination you want. Like a GPS, a business coach will also alert you when you get off course. Both will give suggestions to you on how to recalibrate, recalculate, and get back on your chosen course. Furthermore, both a business coach and GPS are objective and deal in reality...when you are off track, neither will hold back and both will let you know about it. Neither directional instrument plays games...you can't afford that. You need to deal in the truth, even if it hurts to hear it sometimes. Finally, like a GPS, a Growth Coach business coach will help you detour around any mental roadblocks (limiting mindsets, beliefs, fears, doubts, false assumptions, etc.) that are getting in your way. This is essential since business owners tend to interfere with their own God-given talents and success.
Here is one big difference, however. Unlike a GPS, a business coach needs to help you face reality about where you are right now...your starting point. A GPS knows where you are at all times..you only need to enter your destination point...it always knows your starting point. Not true for business owners. Most entrepreneurs DO NOT know where they stand right now...too busy to examine the truth and often playing a game of denial.
As such, owners need an objective business coach who slows them down, practices some tough love and helps them face reality (the good, bad and ugly) about their current situation. Such self-awareness and honest self-examination are essential so an owner knows their starting point. Standing on firm ground, the truth, is critical to any growth and progress. You need an accurate and defined starting point. A coach will help you with that.
Bottom line, both a GPS and a business coach can provide valuable and affordable directional assistance. Again, however, neither a GPS instrument nor a business coach does the driving for you...they simply act as objective and independent guides. It's still up to you to decide where you want to be and do the work to get there. Business coaching, like a GPS, is more about reminding and guiding, much less about telling and doing. I strongly suggest you get a GPS for your vehicle and a business coach for your company.
The Growth Coach, helping to drive your success and balance your life. Your GPS partner
One of the hottest gifts the last couple of years has been a GPS (global positioning system) for your vehicle. It has become a very helpful friend to those that do a lot of driving, both business and pleasure. It can be helpful in getting the kids to their destinations for soccer, volleyball and baseball games. It’s great for finding that out of the way business address in the dark of the night in a pouring down rain storm. It can also be a helping hand when traveling out of town, helping you find the perfect place to stop and eat. A GPS has been a good investment for many. That’s why they are so popular.
As most of you are aware, a GPS instrument is a pretty amazing and affordable piece of technology. You always have a clear destination, specific directions to get there, and know your progress along the way. Based on variable factors (speed, length of stops, etc.) it also continually calculates your expected time of arrival...pretty cool. As such, using a GPS for driving assistance is very similar to using a business coach to help you manage your business. Both instruments (GPS and a business coach) are affordable, objective, empowering, provide clarity of direction, and keep you from getting off course and lost.
Similar to a GPS, business coaching provides you with clarity of direction and confidence you'll get there. A business coach will help you define in writing your desired destination (ideal future)...where you want your business and life to be. Specifically, a coach will help you crystallize your dreams, desires, wishes, and goals. Possessing such clarity of direction and knowing your specific, desired outcomes empowers you and provides you with amazing confidence.
Note, neither a business coach nor a GPS will tell you where to go...you are the driver, in charge, and YOU get to decide on the destination you want. After all, it's your business and life...YOU should decide all such important matters. Never abdicate that power and privilege to others. Furthermore, an effective business coach (unlike a consultant) will not tell you where to go, what to do or how to do it...they will help you discover for yourself where you want to go and what needs to change in your business and life for greater results. Rightfully so, with a business coach as your GPS, you still remain in charge of your business and destiny...you simply have an engaged, valuable, and objective guide along for the ride.
Once you know your destination, a business coach, like a GPS, helps you map out a plan to get you from where you are now to where you want to be (ideal future). While the plan may not be a specific turn-by-turn guide, a coach will help you create a focused and strategic action plan to help guide you and gauge your progress. Our certified Growth Coaches will also insist that you update and adjust your action plan at least every 90 days. Such a vibrant and fresh plan will provide you with focus, discipline, and meaningful action steps...you will be on a path to greater success and fulfillment.
Next, a Growth Coach will provide on-going accountability to keep you on track for achieving the destination you want. Like a GPS, a business coach will also alert you when you get off course. Both will give suggestions to you on how to recalibrate, recalculate, and get back on your chosen course. Furthermore, both a business coach and GPS are objective and deal in reality...when you are off track, neither will hold back and both will let you know about it. Neither directional instrument plays games...you can't afford that. You need to deal in the truth, even if it hurts to hear it sometimes. Finally, like a GPS, a Growth Coach business coach will help you detour around any mental roadblocks (limiting mindsets, beliefs, fears, doubts, false assumptions, etc.) that are getting in your way. This is essential since business owners tend to interfere with their own God-given talents and success.
Here is one big difference, however. Unlike a GPS, a business coach needs to help you face reality about where you are right now...your starting point. A GPS knows where you are at all times..you only need to enter your destination point...it always knows your starting point. Not true for business owners. Most entrepreneurs DO NOT know where they stand right now...too busy to examine the truth and often playing a game of denial.
As such, owners need an objective business coach who slows them down, practices some tough love and helps them face reality (the good, bad and ugly) about their current situation. Such self-awareness and honest self-examination are essential so an owner knows their starting point. Standing on firm ground, the truth, is critical to any growth and progress. You need an accurate and defined starting point. A coach will help you with that.
Bottom line, both a GPS and a business coach can provide valuable and affordable directional assistance. Again, however, neither a GPS instrument nor a business coach does the driving for you...they simply act as objective and independent guides. It's still up to you to decide where you want to be and do the work to get there. Business coaching, like a GPS, is more about reminding and guiding, much less about telling and doing. I strongly suggest you get a GPS for your vehicle and a business coach for your company.
The Growth Coach, helping to drive your success and balance your life. Your GPS partner
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