Goal Setting

Goal setting is a difficult task to make time and energy to do. A good entrepreneur knows that goal setting is a significant task that they must force themselves to do on a regular basis. Writing goals down makes them real, in-your-face, and easier to commit to actually doing.

You know this. I know this.

Then why do so many business owners struggle with creating goals and objectives for their projects? Because they are afraid to decide what they want and make a plan to get whatever it is they want.

Goals define who you are. They act as the map to where we want to go and help us to choose the right highways and by-ways that get us to our destination. Goals are not just dreams hastily scribbled down. Goals are focused purpose-filled ideas that we want to bring to fruition.

Your written goals should follow the SMART test:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Timely

So, what are you going to do? Are you going to write a killer business plan or perhaps a marketing plan? Why is this something that is important to do at this time? What do you want to accomplish with this goal for the long range plan you might have? How are you going to do it?

Perhaps you plan to write a book about professional social networking. It is important because there is much that goes into deciding what social network will appeal to all types of professional people. You need to do this because you intend to launch a speaking career next fall on networking in the corporate world. You have set aside 6 weeks for writing, editing, and revising the book. You know it takes 4 months to get your book from that final draft to bound copy in your hands.

Here is a sample goal written to help you meet that plan:

I will develop and write a first draft of a 120 page book on professional social networking beginning January 1 and ending March 31. I will edit, revise, and rewrite my initial finished draft between April 1 and June 30. I will have the final finished and printed copy of my book in hand by December 31.

Can you create sub-goals and objectives to make this happen? Absolutely! A writer's sub-goals are generally related to how long they will write or edit or conduct research each day and each week for their project.

When you write down your goals you are far more likely to follow through and take action. Having copies of your goals handy for regular review keeps your commitment to your project fresh. Measurable specific terms for your goals are important to gauge your progress. Giving your goals definite start and finish times keeps you focused and moving forward.

Devise a realistic plan with attainable goals that are realistic. Review your list of goals often to keep them fresh in your mind. Remember to set the bar high enough that achieving the goal is a satisfying experience.

"People with goals succeed because they know where they are going " says Earl Nightingale in his personal development course outline. Decide what you want in your business and make a plan to get it. Goal setting can significantly increase your professional probability of success.