As we wave goodbye to the old and usher in the new, it's time to talk about something as inevitable as that last-minute rush for a New Year's Eve countdown – business resolutions! Now, before you groan and say, "Not another SMART goals lecture," hear me out. We're here to make this as painless (and maybe even a little fun) as possible.
- Get Specific, Get Achievable: Remember those school days where SMART goals were drilled into our brains? Well, there's a reason teachers harped on about them. Instead of the nebulous "I want to grow my business," how about we aim for something like "Boost website traffic by 50% in the next quarter"? Sounds exciting, measurable, and a whole lot less like a wish upon a shooting star, right?
- Pen to Paper (or fingers to keyboard): There’s something magical about writing things down. It’s like making a pact with the universe, or at least with your planner. Jot down those resolutions! Whether you're a revisit them weekly, monthly, or 'whenever I need a motivational kick' kind of person, keep those goals where you can see them. Breaking them down into bite-sized tasks? That’s the secret sauce to not feeling swamped.
- Blueprint Your Success: Got your resolutions down? Great! Now comes the hard part – the 'how' of it all. This is where you play architect and draw up the blueprint of your success. Set those deadlines, list the resources you need, and chart out the action plan. Pro tip: Keep this blueprint close. You'll need it more than you think.
- Progress Reports Aren’t Just for School: Regular check-ins on your progress aren’t just a nod to nostalgia. They’re vital to keeping on track, or course-correcting if needed. And hey, when you hit a milestone, pop some confetti! Celebrating victories, big or small will help keep you motivated.
- Accountability Is Key: We are all guilty of creating New Year's resolutions and then having them be added to the list of ignored “notes” on your phone (it is time to delete your 17 grocery lists, you won’t use them again.) Sharing your goals with someone, or even just pinning them on your wall, can work wonders for accountability. Plus, there’s a certain thrill in ticking off a goal and doing a little bragging – in the most humble way, of course.
- Focus Time: It's easy to get sidetracked, especially when you're running a business. Our advice? Stay focused. Regular revisits to your goals help you recognize what you've achieved and what’s still on the to-do list.
There you have it – your guide to not just setting, but owning your business resolutions. Remember, it’s all about making specific, achievable goals, writing them down, devising a plan, celebrating progress, staying accountable, and keeping your eyes on the prize. Here’s to making 2023 the year you not only meet but exceed your business ambitions! 🚀
