Goal Setting in 5 Easy Steps
You're a busy entrepreneur with a lot on your plate. You're always hustling, and you're always looking for ways to improve. But sometimes, it can feel like you're just spinning your wheels.
One of the best ways to get out of a rut and start seeing real progress is to set goals. But not just any goals - effective goals.
Setting goals is tricky, but it's worth taking the time to do it right. Here's how to set goals that will actually help you achieve your dreams:
1. Figure out what you want
The first step to setting any goal is to figure out what you want. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's actually harder than it sounds.
Take some time to sit down and really think about what you want to achieve. What does success look like to you? What are your long-term goals?
Once you have a good understanding of what you want, you can start setting specific goals.
2. Make sure your goals are SMART
One of the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals is making them too vague. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
In other words, a goal like "I want to be rich" is not going to cut it. But a goal like "I want to earn an annual income of $100,000" is much better.
3. Write your goals down
Once you have your goals figured out, it's time to write them down. There's something about putting your goals in writing that makes them seem more real.
Plus, when you have your goals written down, you can refer back to them and stay on track.
4. Create a plan of action
Now that you have your goals, it's time to create a plan of action. What steps do you need to take to achieve your goals?
Again, be specific and make sure your steps are achievable. For example, if your goal is to earn an annual income of $100,000, your plan of action might look something like this:
- Get a job that pays at least $50,000 per year.
- Start a side hustle and make an additional $10,000 per year.
- Invest in a passive income stream and make an additional $40,000 per year.
5. Take action
The final step is to take action. Just like with anything else in life, you won't achieve your goals if you don't take action.
Sit down and figure out what you need to do today, tomorrow, and this week to start making progress. Then, take those actions and keep going until you reach your goals.