What’s the Secret to Goal-Setting Success?

What’s the Secret to Goal-Setting Success?

When it comes to professional and personal development, goal-setting is the key to making any positive changes.

“In February there is everything to hope for and nothing to regret.”

– Patience Strong

Every once in a while on this page, I like to turn the conversation from business and the specific goings-on of the automotive aftermarket to professional and personal development. In many of our recent interviews for cover features, news articles and executive interviews, there is a renewed sense of optimism amongst aftermarket professionals. Executives have been sharing exciting goals and positive projections for themselves and their businesses in 2022 and beyond, despite myriad global challenges.

It feels good for all of us to hear these things … A rising tide lifts all boats, as they say. But how do we keep it going?

When it comes to professional and personal development, goal-setting is the key to making any positive changes. While January – the month of resolutions and fresh starts – would have been a fitting time to talk about this, January also is when your optimism and energy are strongest. It’s when things start to waiver that you need a friendly little kick in the pants.

According to an article in Forbes, in January roughly 50% of the population makes new year’s resolutions of some sort – to lose weight, quit smoking, get a promotion, etc. However, statistics show that by mid-February, 80% of those goal-getters have dropped out of the race.

If you have goals you want to accomplish this year – whether for your business or yourself – here are some helpful tips to see you to the finish line:

Be S.M.A.R.T. About it

You’ve likely heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals before, which is an acronym to make sure you keep your goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Based. It’s succinct, effective and can be applied to any kind of goal, which is why you hear about it so much.

A Daily Personal Audit

One of my favorite quotes by author James Clear asks the question: “Do my CURRENT HABITS carry me to my DESIRED FUTURE?” I keep this quote taped up on my computer monitor as a daily reminder to check-in with myself. Are the actions I’m taking today getting me closer to or further from my goals? What am I wasting my time on?

Bite-Sized Business Goals

According to the American Psychological Association, if you have multiple goals, it is most effective to focus on one goal at a time to ensure long-term success. One idea is to break your yearly list of goals into quarters, giving yourself a smaller window of time, making the end goal you’re hoping to reach seem a little less overwhelming. The other key to this is to fail fast. If you don’t reach that Q1 goal, move on to the next goal as quickly as you can. Start fresh.

Shout it from the Rooftops

According to a blog post from Harvard Health Publishing, “Audacious goals are compelling.”

They can inspire and motivate others to cheer you on or possibly even join you. Committing to your goals in a public way, such as posting your goal on social media, can help keep you accountable and help gather support as well.

I’d love to hear what are some of your best strategies for reaching your goals? Drop me a line at [email protected] or tag us on social. AMN

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