The Key to Success: Goal Setting

How do you react when someone asks you the question, “What are your goals?” Do you find yourself ill at ease looking around the room for some answers?

Goal setting has a tendency to be directly linked with looking into the future. However, I would like to offer you an alternative and enlightening approach to viewing the subject that changes “What are your goals?”  into “What are you doing, and are you currently doing it to make sure you reach your goals?” In other words, this approach allows you to link goal setting to both the future and the present.

There are three stages to goal setting: the dream, the goal, and the objectives. These stages start out broad with the dream and narrow down to specific details with objectives. The dream is your vision when you first started your business. It is what outlines the direction you want to go.

In your case, your dream is probably to become a successful contractor. Next are your goals or wants. These are more specific and defined. For example, “I want my top technician to produce $300,000 annually.” The most important part of goal setting is the objectives. Break down the annual goal into monthly and daily increments (e.g. $300,000 divided by 250 working days yearly is equal to $1,200 daily). Then you must measure yourself against the goal that you have set.

A helpful tip is to write your objectives and goals down in as much detail as possible. Don’t use words like “try” and “maybe.” But use “I will” or “I shall.” Be specific! Also, give yourself a deadline for your objectives. This allows you to know exactly what you are going to do and when you are going to do it. Once you have an outline, you can start working on it.  

How do you get to your goals? Motivation is a powerful reinforcement or cure to the “goal-setting blues.”  You would be amazed at how much more you can accomplish and come up with when you are motivated. Motivation is all around you, but the trick is that it needs to be found. It is one of the greatest treasures, making it worthwhile to look for.

What motivates you? Your kids, a great book, a song, a walk in the park, a winning lottery ticket, a football game, a new addition to the family, a new outfit, coffee with a best friend… the list is endless. Whatever it may be, use the adrenaline rush you get from it to build yourself up. Pick up a pen and brainstorm. You might not be able to use these ideas at that moment; however, once they are written down, you can always go back to them.

The next time someone asks you—”What are your goals?”—tell them what you are doing to make sure you reach your goals.