Your New Year’s Business Goals – Kick Start Your New Year

new year's business goals

Happy New Year!

Wow … didn’t 2016 go by quickly? It certainly doesn’t feel like it’s been 12 months since I sat here, setting my goals for 2016 and mapping out how to achieve them.

Here we are again. The start of another brand new year and – for many people – again setting goals for the year ahead. Although my focus in this article is on business goals, what I’m about to share here also applies for any other goals you’re working towards achieving.

How did you go last year? Did you set goals? If so, did you achieve them all? If not, did you achieve any of them?

Don’t laugh. I know some people who set the same goals over and over again, every year, in the hope that one day they’ll stick with their plans long enough to reach those goals.

If this is starting to sound like you, don’t despair. There’s many reasons why people don’t achieve what they set out to and it’s not always simply a lack of willpower (or won’t power).

Set The Right Goals

If you’re finding yourself setting the same goals as last year, consider first if you’re actually setting the right goals.

Something that I learnt many years ago was that before I could set my goals – business goals as well as personal ones – was that I needed to be clear on my personal values first.

You see, if you aim to achieve something that requires you to do something that goes against your values for whatever reason, chances are that you’re not going to achieve it. Either you’ll procrastinate or find excuses to not do what you need to do or you’ll sub-consciously sabotage yourself.

This may seem obvious, but sometimes it’s just little things that can be easily overlooked that make all the difference.

A good read I recommend to help understand this and to learn to set goals that work with your values is The Power of Subconscious Goal Setting, by Scott Groves. This gives clear explanation and easy exercises you can work through to get clear on your intentions.

Know Your “Why”

It’s absolutely critical that you know your “why”. Why do you want to achieve this? What makes it so important?

You need a reason that can keep you going when things get tough or that inspires you to keep at it. Without having a good reason, making the necessary changes or taking action can seem less important and will make it easier for you to get distracted.

Breaking It Down

Okay, so once you’re fairly certain you’re goals are on the right track, how do you follow through and stick with your commitment?

Firstly, break your goal down into small, more easily achievable steps. Have you ever heard the saying “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”? It’s just the same with goals.

Break down that big-hairy-audacious goal into tiny little steps that can be achieved on a day-by-day basis. Then just focus on one step at a time, until you’ve completed them all.

Following Through

One of the best things you can do is to find an accountability partner, or partners. Someone you can work with would be great but if that’s not possible, at least someone you can speak with regularly to help keep you on track. Someone you trust and who will give you a kick up the behind when you need it! (In the friendliest of ways, of course).

When it comes to business goals, often those closest to us don’t really understand what we’re trying to achieve and they may find it hard to support us. Or even worse, may distract us from our goals.

So if this is the case for you, make sure you find some other like-minded people to help keep you on track. This may even be by way of a local or online business group.

It helps also to keep pictures or items around you that can help to inspire you and remind you why you’re working towards this particular goal. These sorts of things can keep you focused, especially when you’re ready to give up.

I could go on for hours and hours, writing tips to help make sure you achieve your business goals. But really, I’d much rather than you get out there and start making things happen. The most important thing now is for you to:

  • follow the suggestions above to plan THE RIGHT business goals for you for the year ahead;
  • break them down into bite-sized-steps;
  • find an accountability partner (or two or three);
  • take action.

If you’re keen, feel free to share your goals with me in the “Comments” section below. I’d love to hear all the big – and not so big – things you’re planning!

About the author, Donna-Marie

Donna-Marie is an award-winning Entrepreneur, Author, Online Mentor and Content Marketing Specialist who's been lifting up small business owners since 1998. She's got an incredible talent for showing business owners how to build their dream business and life, teaching them systems to boost profits and enjoy more freedom, all at the same time. Don't just go with the flow... create your business - and life - by design. 💕