Setting goals

Last time we talked about how the number one tool used by millionaires is goal setting and that many small business owners never achieve their true potential due to a lack of focus. There are many types of goals, and it is important to set goals that lead to achieving your overall vision. Make sure that when you complete a goal, it is not the end but it leads you to the next. Don’t try to accomplish too much at once. Set one, two or maybe three goals max. Stay focused and don’t quit.

Here are some examples of types of goals:

1. Personal: these goals are just for you and no one else. They are things that you enjoy. Examples might be listening to a certain type of music, dancing or going on a trip. You may want to use these as rewards for accomplishing your larger goals.

2. Professional: these are your money earning goals. They might involve working for others or expanding your business. What do you want your career to look like in 5 to 10 years? How do you plan to spend your time in retirement? Write it down!

3. Family: whether you are single or married, the one on one relationship with people you love and care about are important for success and mental health. You must have love in your life. Create a goal that helps you achieve this.

4. Social: this refers to belonging to groups of successful people whom you can use as role models and who can help you accomplish your goals. Remember, you become like the people you surround yourself with. Your friends and associates will look a lot like you. So be careful!

5. Cultural: experience your cultural heritage. Visit the place where your family originated. Take part in local cultural events. This will broaden your perspective.

6. Health: these are goals among the most important. You must have a health program, or your success will be for nothing.

7. Creative expression: try to experience as many things as possible. Don’t be afraid to express yourself creatively. This causes flexibility in your goals program.

8. Financial: only 1% of us will be independently wealthy. Only 5% of us will be able to maintain our standard of living upon retirement. Everyone has two occupations earning money and keeping that money. Talk to people who have done this successfully.

9. Spiritual: how do you relate to the world? What do life and death mean to you? People who are aligned with their spiritual nature are happier and more successful.

10. Educational: keep on top of your field. Acquire new skills for interest and stimulation. Attend lots of seminars.

11. Give something back: when you succeed, you are in a better position to help others who want to succeed. Share your success with others.

12. Goals of the critical element: these are those whose outcomes may be viewed as targeted deliverables.

There is a remarkable correlation between being successful and having an established goal-setting program. This has been proven effective by thousands of people for many years. If done correctly, you will be able to accomplish your goals very quickly and far more easily than you might think. One of the greatest joys in life is achieving goals once thought to be unattainable. Try for the unattainable, stretch yourself and have fun. Remember, getting there is only half the fun.

Know that a person without goals takes a long time to go nowhere. There’s no better time to get started so get started now!

Jay Thompson is a Business Consultant with the CSU Bakersfield Small Business Development Center. The CSUB SBDC provides premium, one on one, no cost consulting to small business owners in Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties. For more information visit their website at http://www.csub.edu/sbdc.