For years, researchers have been quoting statistics that approximately 80 percent of people fail at keeping their resolutions and most have already dropped off by mid-February. Yet that 20 percent is making it. What motivates those 20 percent to keep plugging away at their goals? We all set goals out of a desire to change something. To better ourselves. To achieve something. And the small business owner sets goals to provide financially for their employees and their families.

It is easier to set goals than to keep them. And the statistics show that we are most likely doomed to failure! No wonder goal setting can be such a sore topic.

The difference between goals abandoned and goals achieved is the motivation that underlies the goal and the development of a strategy to make it happen. Otherwise, expect failure.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to identify your motivating factors:

• Do I really want to make this change?
• What feeling do I associate with achieving this goal? Success? Relief? Excitement? Confidence?
• What are the results I want, the benefits I will enjoy?

Yes, goals usually involve some level of change and sustaining change in the long-run is difficult. When we connect a goal to an emotion – brain to heart – we become more open to sticking to that change. So part of goal setting must include a connection to your motivation and commitment to that change.

Next, follow up those questions with a plan of action:

• Am I prepared to make the commitment of time, energy, money, and focus to make this goal happen?
• What will it involve? Can I break it down into small steps?
• When will it be scheduled?

This step helps you create a plan of action to get moving in the right direction. The process of breaking it down supports us and keeps us from the feelings of overwhelm that so easily derail us.

Once a plan is in place, follow it diligently and you will be on the road to “goals achieved.” 

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1. I let go of all resistance to writing goals down.
2. I now dissolve the habit of putting off difficult tasks.
3. I write my goals down and review them regularly.
4. I write down the action steps needed to reach my goals.
5. My written goals are helping me to achieve my life’s purpose.
6. I replace indefinite, vague dreams with specific, detailed goals, and action plans.
7. All resistance to taking the appropriate goal-achieving actions has vanished.
8. I let go of all pessimism and doubt that I will achieve my goals.
9. I visualize the achievement of my goals daily.
10. I recognize the barriers to achieving my goals and I move around them, over them, and through them.
11. I’m firmly on the path of achievement and success.
12. Everything is working out for me now.
13. I set and achieve challenging and worthwhile goals.
14. I easily reach my goals on time.
15. I accomplish everything I set out to do.
16. My goals fit perfectly with all areas of my life.
17. I enjoy the challenge of a meaningful, worthwhile goal.
18. I easily stay focused on my objectives despite interruptions and distractions.
19. I plan my work and I work my plan.
20. Each of my goals is assigned a date that I expect to achieve.
21. I have the power to achieve any goal I desire.

Which affirmations do you identify with? Find several that you like and write them on an index card and keep them with you, looking at them here and there throughout the day. You can also create screen savers so that your affirmations are constantly in front of you at your desk or on your cell phone.

Repeat affirmations every day and they will start to become a part of who you are. You will see the needle on your goals dashboard start to shift, and find yourself sticking to your goals throughout the days, months, and year.

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My typical approach to goal setting is that I review last year’s goals, highlight what I’ve accomplished, and then re-evaluate, update, and set new goals for the next year. Because I am also a college professor, I go through this process over the Holiday Season and during the Summer when classes are out. In between, those goals are posted on my bulletin board right beside my desk so that I see them every day. They are also incorporated into the SuccessMAP (a coaching process for Complete Success clients) so that on a daily basis, I know that my actions are moving me towards my goals. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s go back to the top ten reasons to set goals:

1. Goals give your life purpose. Goals are an integral part of life and when you set goals, it helps us to dream, and aspire for a meaningful life. They help clarify our end vision and set up on the way to deepening our life experience.
2. Goals stretch your comfort zone. Once you’ve dreamed and aspired for something bigger, it stretches you to achieve more and to be more.
3. Goals provide a roadmap to take you from here to there.  Goals give your life structure and help to turn what seemed impossible into something possible. It provides the direction and roadmap necessary to move forward with purpose in life.
4. Goals give you focus. Now that you have a target to aim for, goals will help you concentrate your time and effort with a sense of urgency to keep moving forward. You know what your priorities are and you can then stay focused.
5. Goals motivate you. When you know where you’re going, you have the drive to move forward. Clearly defined goals help establish those priorities and give you the desire to follow the roadmap set before you.
6. Goals make you accountable. There is now a measure of success, a means to see whether or not you are moving forward.  And rather than just fill your time with nonsense, your goals become a measure of your success, holding you accountable.
7. Goals, when accomplished, give you a feeling of satisfaction. Accomplishing your goals and living your dreams are a source of happiness. Your goals bring out the best in you.
8. Goals help you measure if you are living up to your own expectations. You know the feeling it brings when you know you are measuring up to your own standards. You become more self-reliant and confident.
9. Goals create success, one step at a time. They help get you off the couch and following the roadmap that will build your dream.
10. Goals, once accomplished, give us something to celebrate. And the celebration of your accomplishments will once again propel you forward to set higher goals, stretch more, hold yourself you a new level of challenges, and the cycle then starts all over again.

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• What do I continue doing?
• What do I need to stop doing?
• What do I start doing?

I’ve been facing a cross-road in my life. When reminded of these questions last October, I diligently sat at the keyboard and answered them in great detail. Then I shortened them into something I felt was doable and set to work. I did and did and did. I tried and tried and tried. I got discouraged and quit. Then I tried some more. Does this sound familiar? Spinning wheels with long lists of “shoulds” and “could’s” and doing more. We guilt ourselves for our failures. We guilt ourselves for not trying hard enough. And when that’s not enough… we blame others for our short-comings. If only… if only… Break the cycle. Look at your choices from a distance. And then ask yourself:
What do I continue doing? Analyze what has worked well. What brings you and others the greatest joy and the greatest results. Once you’ve looked closely at what you’re doing, it will become clear what you’d really like to continue. Write down “why” you will continue these things. These things are constants.
What do I need to stop doing? Perhaps the hardest question to answer. Many times there is emotion tied to something we are doing, and we don’t want to face the reality that it isn’t working anymore. Be kind to yourself, but also be realistic. And when it’s time to stop doing something, chose to stop. These things may be your dead horse and it may be time to unload it.
What do I start doing? Well, the list is endless. It’s time to dream, plan, research, and implement your best ideas. Those that promise the greatest personal and professional results. These are your dreams, aspirations, and the new in your life.
And most of all, enjoy the process. Embrace, say goodbye, and then say hello to what’s new in your life.

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One of the secrets of business growth is to reach outside of your small business and get help and expertise from others. Among the alternatives out there, forming an advisory board offers accountability and stability to that business.

Corporate America functions with a board of directors, and nonprofit organizations also form a board to guide them. A small business owner, and entrepreneurs alike, can learn a lot from the nonprofit model. The nonprofit organization forms a board with diverse skills. It looks for expertise that it does not possess and fills the board positions with experts who will help them in different areas. So they may look for experts in marketing, sales, client development, finance, etc. And in doing so, they gain the knowledge and the help they need. The possibilities are infinite.

An advisory board can be formalized and meet together on a regular basis, say monthly or quarterly. Or, an informal board may be formed with a group of people to whom the small business owner goes for help and advice as the need arises. Whether it’s a formal or informal group, these people must be chosen wisely. They may be the key to your future success!

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Sounds like the wisest person who ever lived, King Solomon, had coaching pretty much figured out! (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) This is the beginning of life in balance: what time is it in your life? 

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Guide Your Growth: To grow a business, you will need to plan, practice and persevere. A plan helps you set priorities and manage your growth proactively. It helps you plan thoroughly and get organized. Strategy gives you focus, helps you decide where you need to focus your resources, and keeps you doing what’s most important. It allows you to be proactive in your offerings, reach your target market and keep ahead of the competition. And it helps you use your time efficiently and run the business smoothly. 

Delegate and Inspire: As your business grows, you may need to free up your time from the daily grind and focus on growth. A plan can set the tone for your business, set the procedures that need to be followed, assign responsibilities, and give your employees clear direction. It can be used to inspire your personnel to follow your vision. It can be used as a training tool and to track their progress so you can continue to stay on target. Planning is an ongoing process. If it’s organic, it will change over time as your business changes, grows, and you learn what is best for your business’ success. Set regular time aside to set goals, look at what’s running smoothly, and make decisions on what your next actions will be.

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