Setting The Right Goals For You Can Help You Be More Productive Article

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Setting the Right Goals For You Can Help You Be More Productive

One of the hallmarks of successful people is the ability to set goals and stick to them. In his book, What They Don't Teach You in the Harvard Business School, author Mark McCormack shares a study about the students in the 1979 MBA program. The students were asked, "Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?"

Author: Yoon Cannon

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The results were striking--only 3% of the students had written goals. Another 13% had some idea of goals but they weren't written down. The other 84% had no specific goals.

10 years later, the graduates were interviewed again. The 13% who had goals were earning an average of twice as much as the 84% who had no goals. The 3% who had clearly defined and written their goals, were earning an average of 10 times their classmates.

Clearly, setting goals is powerful. Writing them down is more powerful. They're important in achieving not just financial success but success in your health and relationships too.

But, to be effective, goals must be specific and clearly defined with a time limit. They can drive your "to do" list forward so you make measureable progress each day.

Goals are personal. It's not enough to say you want to be "successful". Define that, what does success look like for you? Is it flexibility with your time? A certain amount of money in the bank? Living debt free?

Be honest with yourself as you set your goals so you're setting ones that will give you energy and motivation.

Here are 3 questions to ask yourself to set the goals that are right for you:

1) Set specific and measurable goals-- otherwise, you won't know when you've achieved them.

Do you want more time off? If so, what does that mean? 2 mornings a week? Every Tuesday? Be specific. Likewise, it's not enough to say you want to make "more money". How much money? Do you want to increase your net worth by $100,000 in the next three years? Do you want to increase your pay rate by 10% in the coming six months? Once you define the goal, you can look at the big picture to know how you can make it happen.

2) Set the right goals for you--Your goals should energize and inspire you. If they don't, re evaluate. Maybe they're not big enough. Or, maybe they're too big. Goals should be big enough to push you but if they're overwhelming you may need to readjust.

3) What has to go? As you grow and transition in your business, you will need to let go of some things. They may be tasks, habits or even people. Be aware of things/ideas/people that give you energy and what depletes you. Delegate or outsource your energy draining tasks and replace them with ones that energize. Recognize habits that move you forward in your goals such as getting regular exercise so you're able to perform at your optimum level and continue doing them.

The other benefit about setting clear goals that harmonize with your desired lifestyle, is they can keep you focused and on track.

If you ever feel like you’re stuck or spinning your wheels, take a look at your schedule. How many activities are geared towards you reaching your long term goals and how many are putting out fires and attending to others’ needs?

Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People breaks down schedules into four distinct components.

Important and urgent
Important but not urgent
Urgent but not important
Not Urgent Not Important

When you make your to do list, highlight the ones that are Important but Not Urgent—whether it’s furthering your professional education or getting published regularly in a trade journal you have to take steps to make your goals happen.

Look at your schedule -- what can you delegate or delete in your life to make time for the things that matter to you and advance your career?

No matter what your situation you have some options. You could get up an hour earlier to spend 60 minutes a day paving the way to your success. If an hour seems difficult, find 15 minutes a day to move yourself forward in your goals. 15 minutes a day over a 5 day work week adds up to 75 minutes. 15 minutes adds up to 5 hours in a month. Now, what can you accomplish in 5 hours? Break it down into 15 minute chunks and put it on your calendar.

Are there routine tasks you could delegate to another to free up more time? Outsourcing is becoming more and more common. Websites like elance.com, guru.com and rentacoder.com can help you find short term or longer term help for your routine tasks.

You're in charge of your business! Design your business around the life you want to live and watch your achievements grow!

About Author

Yoon Cannon is a systemic business growth coach, consultant and speaker based in Philadelphia, Pa. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs take their companies beyond the Million Dollar milestones through branding, sales & marketing, hiring and training. For more free articles and podcasts visit www.paramountbusinesscoach.com or call (215) 292-4947 EST.

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Setting the Right Goals For You Can Help You Be More Productive