Goals are so critical for success in your business.
So how do you set goals that result in successful outcomes? AND that you can actually achieve? The first step is to set your goals properly, and the second is to follow 2 simple tips that improve the likelihood of achieving your goals. Let's start with how to set goals.
How to Set Goals
Goal setting is part art and part science.
The Science of Goal Setting
There are certain ways of setting goals that are more effective than others. The most effective way I have found after personally working with thousands of business leaders? Using S.M.A.R.T. Goals.
- Specific: What outcome do you want to achieve?
- Measurable: How will you know when you've met your goal? What will you measure?
- Attainable: What major initiatives and activities will help you achieve this goal?
- Relevant: Why is this goal important to you and/or your business?
- Time-bound: When do you want to achieve the goal?
Don't skip the important step of making your goals S.M.A.R.T. The more clear you can get on what you are trying to achieve, why it is important, how and when you will achieve it, and how you will measure its success, the more likely you are to set goals that will actually generate results, AND the more likely you are to achieve them.
The Art of Goal Setting
No matter how good the approach is that you follow, if your goals aren't the right goals, they won't generate the outcomes for your business that you're after.
The right goals are grounded in a solid vision for where you want to see your business (and your life) in the future.
The simple formula for successful goal setting that blends the art with the science?
- Always start with your Vision and get clear on your what and why.
- Then break your Vision down into Goals.
- Then turn your Goals into S.M.A.R.T. Goals.
- Then break your Goals down into the highest impact projects and campaigns.
- Finally, ensure ALL of your daily activities align back to your goals.
LEAN TIP: Top performers choose one goal to focus on each 90 days, and ensure that goal is in alignment with their vision for the year.
Now let's talk about how to improve the likelihood of achieving your goals.
2 Simple Steps to Improve the Likelihood of Achieving your Goals
Want to improve the likelihood of achieving your goals? Here are 2 simple tips to achieve your goals.
1. Write Your Goals Down
Actually write them out - with pen and paper instead of only digitally on your computer or phone. The act of writing them down helps to make them feel "real" and to keep them top of mind.
Remember to make your goals S.M.A.R.T. when writing them down.
2. Look at Them Often
Keep your focus on your goals by looking at them often. I recommend looking at them every day when you start your day to reground yourself on why you are doing what you are doing.
It helps to keep you motivated, and it also helps to keep you focused and on track. That daily reminder helps ensure all the activities you have planned for the day relate back to the goals you are working towards.
Bonus points if you measure how you are progressing towards your goals and reflect on what is working and what isn't.
Both of these tips sound simple and intuitive (and they can be!) yet few people actually do them consistently.
Challenge yourself to follow the steps in this post for the next 90 days and you will be amazed at how effective they can be to define and achieve goals that drive real results and successful outcomes in your business.
Want a little help? I've made it super simple to both define and achieve your goals with the 90-Day Lean Out Planner.
You'll start each 90 days with getting crystal clear on your vision and breaking that vision down into the top goals for your business. You will turn them into S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound), then review and reflect upon your progress consistently.
Enjoy free shipping on your first 90-day planner with code FREESHIP.
by Crista Grasso
Crista Grasso is the go-to strategic planning expert for leading global businesses and online entrepreneurs when they want to scale. Known as the "Business Optimizer", Crista has the ability to quickly cut through noise and focus on optimizing the core things that will make the biggest impact to scale a business simply and sustainably. She specializes in helping businesses gain clarity on the most important things that will drive maximum value for their clients and maximum profits for their business. She is the creator of the Lean Out Method, 90 Day Lean Out Planner, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast.
