The end of the year is a time when many people set goals – both professional and personal. Make it a powerful way to launch into 2021, and hit the ground running in the new year.

We’re here to share why and how to set goals, plus how to achieve them.

Why Set Goals?

Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat (from Alice in Wonderland) famously said that if you don’t know where you’re going “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go”. The same can be said for goals – you need to know where you’re going in order to take appropriate action.

In other words, set goals for yourself and your business so you can focus on action steps to achieve those goals. Get the forward momentum you desire.

How to Set Goals

Setting goals is an organic process – not a static set-and-forget activity. Yes, you may set annual goals once per year, but it’s possible you may need to change them in the face of unexpected factors (global pandemic, anyone?). So we always recommend reviewing them regularly – at least every 3-6 months – to ensure your activities are still driving towards them.

You may have seen this framework for setting goals. We think it’s a great place to start:

SMART
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Realistic
T – Time-Based

If you follow this framework you’ll set goals that are based on reality and that are taking your business in a positive direction. Even the act of considering what goals are possible for your business can be a revolutionary experience.

How to Achieve Your Goals

It’s one thing to set your goals, it’s completely another to set about achieving them. Here’s our breakdown of how to achieve your goals.

  • Establish an action plan designed to target those goals – once you’ve identified your goals, define how you’re going to achieve them. Consider activities you’ve undertaken in the past, but also research new ways to achieve those goals. Define your action plan in steps that are as granular as possible.
  • Schedule your actions – once you have an action plan, schedule the activities into your calendar. This is how you’ll keep yourself accountable.
    Schedule Goal Reviews – every 3-6 months, make an appointment with yourself (and/ or your team) to review your progress towards your goals. Measure progress, and consider how effective your action plan is. Keep your finger on the pulse of your results.
    Pivot where necessary – during your review, you’ll identify actions that are working and those that aren’t, and you may find that goals need to be changed (for example increased or decreased in line with the current situation).

Many business owners set goals. A small percentage of them actually review their goals and revise the action plan around them. Be part of that percentage. ????

How can QCA help?

If you need some support in putting together your business goals, get in touch. Setting goals often involves financial implications for your business, and we can offer some informed suggestions.

Contact our team of professionals on 07 5593 6060 – we are here to help you.