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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