Reclaim Your Goals
Time. It seems to pass faster each year. However, each year gifts us with the same 8,760 hours. How productive have you been with your time so far in 2019? Did you accomplish many of your goals or resolutions yet? If not, there are still 77 federal working days left! A lot can be accomplished in the remaining time but you may just need to hit the reset button.
Time is ticking. To ensure success by year-end, we need to start now and remember to be SMART.
So, let’s reset and get organized.
Taking the First Step – Guidelines to Reset Your Goals
First, there are a few guidelines to follow. Remember, we are looking for success!
Be sure to reset your goals when they haven’t been met. In a commentary in Forbes magazine, George Bradt explains that all too often people remain in denial about the fact that they haven’t achieved their goals, so they do not reset them. When people are not realistic and keep plowing away at the same goals, even though it is quite apparent they will not be met, this is not only pointless but also delusional.
Form an emotional connection to the goal. Most importantly, ask yourself, “Why do you care about this goal?” Mark Murphy emphasizes in a Forbes article, that the goal has to be for you, not your husband, children, or doctor. When you are personally connected, passion drives the motivation and dedication to succeed.
Write them down. If goals are not written down, it is too easy to be distracted, to procrastinate, and to avoid the work. We are more likely to achieve the goal when it is in writing.
Set small goals. Don’t look at an enormous goal and be afraid of it. Break it down into small actions and create a habit around taking some small action every day or every week.
Visualize the completion. Really see yourself delivering it. This will help you stay motivated and committed to the goal.
Celebrate successes. Every milestone is a win. Celebrate each step to stay motivated and keep your purpose in front of your mind. Don’t forget the rewards.
Next, let’s reset the goal following the SMART method below. The acronym, SMART, reminds us that goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and follow a Timeframe.
1. Identify the highest priority goal(s).
Remember to pick something that will realistically fit with the rest of your life in the next 77 days.
Use the example: Overhaul the entire company marketing plan.
2. Be SPECIFIC.
Pare the goal down. Marketing plans can include logo design, taglines, messaging, websites, social media, brochures, business cards, etc. All of this could take the whole 77 days if you didn’t have anything else on your calendar.
Goal: Overhaul of social media marketing plan.
3. MEASURE the outcome.
I will update one of my three social networks.
4. Determine how you will ACHIEVE the goal.
Identify the purpose.
Clarify the audience.
Refresh the account with new graphics and messaging.
Establish a schedule with topics and themes.
Gather/draft content and graphics for 2 months of posts.
Determine the re-launch date.
Send announcement.
Schedule posts.
5. Is the goal REALISTIC?
There are 8 tasks, which will require 20 hours over 18 weeks.
6. Set the TIMEFRAME.
I will watch less TV and devote 2 hours per week for 10 weeks so it is completed in 2.5 months. This timeframe is realistic, manageable and achievable.
And there you go! One SMART goal planned. Now get going. Don’t delay. Remember, setbacks happen. Life gets in the way. Even when we don’t make the end goal, each step along the way is a step in the right direction because it teaches us the habit of staying in action. The most important thing right now is the fact that you are resetting and will knock it out before the end of the year.
Managing a life of health, family, friends, work, house projects, social activities, volunteer projects, and travel is a lot to accomplish in 8,760 hours each year. Sometimes, the overload becomes overwhelming, and we can’t see the forest through the trees. If you find yourself in need of some support, the executive coaches at Merrett Davies International are here for you. Just take the step and reach out to us!
Here are some resources for motivation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqL8ta7boSw
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/goal-setting-mistakes.htm
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/eight-goal-setting-mistakes-infographic.htm