Lately I’ve been asked how I set my goals for the  year, how many do I choose and how do I stay on track. It’s starts in December before the new year arrives, I take an afternoon with a big mug of coffee and look back on the year. I note and celebrate my successes and make a conscious decision to overcome any obstacle that prevented me from being my best. For me, it’s the beginning of a new adventure in the pursuit of success. The hard part is staying focused! (Just because the new year has started, doesn’t mean it’s too late to choose your goals!)

As with any goal, whether personal or professional, unless you continually reaffirm that goal, it becomes too easy to settle for second best and soon you lose sight of what you wished to accomplish. To keep myself focused and my ‘eye on the prize’, I have a ‘low-tech’ method that has worked for years.

Take three blank index cards (3 x 5”) or cut a sheet of cardstock into 3 index card sized pieces. At the top of each card write, “I am successful because of the actions I take.” Then list your top three goals for the coming year.  Be specific about the goal you wish to accomplish and the date that you will complete that goal. You cannot be vague or wishy-washy.

Example:  “It is December 31, 2013 and I have achieved my goal of 5 appointments each week for this year to meet 260 potential clients resulting in a revenue increase of 20% over last year.

Example:  “It is December 31, 2013 and I have achieved my weight loss goal of 27 pounds by consistently exercising 30 minutes/day 5 days/week.

The other reminder that I have in front of me is my word or group of words that I choose for the year. This year it’s Mission Possible. Write the word(s) that you choose for this year directly under your goal.
Don’t set yourself up for failure with unachievable goals. Dreams are just goals without a plan. Turn your dreams into goals by using the S.M.A.R.T. method.

S – Specific

M – Measurable

A – Attainable

R – Relevant

T – Timely

Here’s the key to making all this work: keep one card with you at work where you see it on a daily basis.  Put another in your wallet or purse and put the third one at home where you can see it and read it each morning when you get up and every night before you go to bed. It’s that simple and yet so powerful.

Now Go Get Connected!

About Cathy Kuzel

Cathy is one connected woman! With 20+ years of experience as a successful Entrepreneur and Business Coach, she is recognized across Canada for her in-house and public seminars on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Cathy is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!” and the internationally known “Daily Espressos”.