Creating a business means a lot of moving parts– one of the most important things you can do to help yourself is to create tangible goals for your business! Easier said than done, right? Do you feel overwhelmed by your goals? Are you struggling to achieve the success you’ve always dreamed of?
Don’t worry! I’ve been there too. I get it.
Goal setting can be hard enough… then, to go out and actually achieve them? That’s a whole different story! But trust me when I tell you: It is possible.
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” — Stephen A. Brennan
Today, I want to share with you 7 tips I’ve learned over the years that will help you to find success and achieve even your biggest, most lofty goals. It will take hard work, but I know you can do it!
- Make it sustainable.
Be sure to create goals that are specific enough to motivate you each and every day. At the same time, these goals should be broad and stimulating enough for you to stay energized during any bumps in the road you may encounter along the way.
- Don’t overshoot.
When creating your goals, it’s a good idea to create discernable levels. Let’s say “Number 1” is your biggest goal. It’s your name in lights and all of that grand stuff. A BIG dream, but certainly not impossible. Then, your “Number 2” and “Number 3” goals can be a bit more realistic and more easily achievable. The key is to ignore any inner monologue you may have about settling for less!! By hitting your “Number 3” goal, you’re still accomplishing something you’ve never achieved and that’s something to be so very happy about!
- Treat yourself.
If you plan rewards for yourself once you’ve achieved mini milestones, you’ll have an additional incentive to persevere! Whether it’s treating yourself to your favorite dessert, a spa treatment, or just a lazy day off– you deserve it! The key is not to get caught up in the treats…always remember what you’re ultimately working towards!
- Take a break.
Feeling stuck and unmotivated? It’s perfectly alright to step away from your goals for a day or two! We may not all be writer’s who suffer from “writer’s block,” but believe me when I say there’s such thing as a “business block!” There are so many things you can do to clear your mind– take a walk, go to a show, catch up with friends, etc. Switching your mind to another topic is a perfectly healthy way to allow your brain to rest and refuel.
- Find people who can help you.
Starting a small business is no easy feat– in fact, it can certainly take a village! No matter how driven and capable you are, no matter what degrees or experience you may have, there is nothing wrong with asking for some help. Find a mentor or someone whom you admire who has found success in your industry. Learn how he or she achieved their goals and emulate their practices to fuel your own success.
- Stay confident.
Confidence is key when starting a small business. There will be some major ups and downs along the way– you need to learn how to ride them out and stay focused. Don’t give in to the negative voices in your head. If you miss a goal or you’re not where you thought you’d be by a certain point, that doesn’t equate to failure. Stay happy and positive along the way and you’ll be more blissful for it!
- Take baby steps.
Major goals can be overwhelming. When I set out to start Puff & Fluff, my pet grooming business, I didn’t immediately think I’d be opening four stores. In fact, it all started with my first. And, now, years later, I have four incredible locations in the Valley. I know that it’s easy to look 100 miles ahead and wonder how the heck you’re going to get there. Break those miles down into mini goals along the way and make them as small as you need to! Don’t expect major success overnight– you’ll get there in time!
