This blog is a place I’m going to share things that have worked for me. I doubt I’m going to offer anything new that someone hasn’t said before, but I am going to suggest that I am living proof that they work. So if you have a goal to model successful behavior from proven successful people, I humbly offer this.
Have a Plan
I credit goal setting with a huge part of my success. Simply stated, not having goals laid out, you are basically floating down the river without a rudder, and possibly without any oars.
I’m not talking “if you dream it you can have it” type fantasy goals. Writing goals like “Make $50,000” aren’t good enough either. I’m talking about being pragmatic and write out a literal road map of actionable steps of how you are going to get to that number over the next X period.
Share your goals with someone.
It’s too easy to let things slide if you aren’t accountable. In the past I’ve done this with a mentor, or other colleagues I was friends with. I found through pure wanting to avoid the shame of failure I pressed through on some of my goals when I would have otherwise let them slide.
At the same time, I’m ok with failure if I did my honest best effort. I recognize that setting a goal and falling short always generates a better outcome than having no goals at all.
A lot of people I’ve spoken to don’t set goals. Maybe they’re afraid of failure, more likely they’re even more afraid of success.
I also will set “fun” goals, like creating a “fundraiser style thermometer” that I posted to the wall of my office, of how I was doing working towards a financial goal. I have fond memories of that thermometer.
Also, review and update your goals. Initially they might be your best guess towards something, but in time they will become far more scientific based on real world experience and results.
My main point is set goals. I’m going to flat out say right now you won’t find success (the kind you want or dream about) without them.
