The way to achieve your goals is to stay focused. My logical brain loves to take goals and break them down into smaller “bite size” pieces. What do you want to focus on for this last quarter of the year? This easy three-step system will help you define and achieve your goals!
First things first! What is it that you want to focus on for this quarter? Do you want to improve your public speaking? Increase your confidence? Ask for a raise? Increase your customer base? Take some time and think about what “focus” areas would be good for you. Important note: You need to have no more than three focus areas.
Write down each of your three goals. For example:
- Lose 10 pounds
- Increase my confidence
- Get three new clients
Next you need to determine your metrics. How will you know that you have been successful in reaching your goal? With my examples, it is easy to determine if you lost 10 pounds or not, but how can you measure an increase in your confidence? Determine what will prove that success to you. For example maybe asking for that promotion can measure your confidence, or speaking up at meetings? Write down your metrics under each goal.
- Lose 10 pounds
- – Have I lost 10 pounds by December 31st?
- Increase my confidence
- Ask for a review and promotion in December
- Get three new clients
- Have I onboarded three new clients by December 31st?
Lastly, you need to break each goal down into action steps that you can take each, day, week and month. For example in getting three new clients you may need to reach out to 2 new people each day, and have coffee with 5 people per week. To get that promotion you may start by listing your accomplishments for the year, and asking in your weekly meeting with your boss what one thing you can improve? Break these tasks down by month, week and day to create your 90 day action plan. Be sure to list a date that each step should be complete.
Plan Check: Are your goals SMART? The best way to achieve goals is to make smart ones in the first place. Your goals need to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound. A framework we often use is:
I will do ____________ (S) this much/many _______________ (M) because it helps my life / business in this way _______________ (R) I will do it by this date: ___/____/__ (T) and, on an achievable scale of 1-10 (10 slam-dunk), it is ________ (R). (Should be a 7 or above or you should revise)
Take these three simple steps and reach your goals in this last quarter! Keep your focus and eat the whole elephant…one bite at a time!
As an executive coach with proven success in the finance and sales industries, Brenda Loan Baker empowers individuals to reach their full leadership potential. While she serves leaders at all levels and across a broad range of functional roles and industries, she has a special interest in partnering with women and minorities in normally male-dominated industries like STEM, finance and law, to help them become more confident, visible, and influential leaders. She is an ICF-Certified PCC Coach.
Schedule a complimentary session with Brenda to find out how she can help you crush your goals.
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