The Guide to Goal Setting

Setting measurable and specific goals is a great way for entrepreneurs to reach important career milestones. By setting attainable goals, and measuring their achievement, you can see what you are capable of and drive your professional growth. Check out some of these great tips for setting and sticking to your career goals:

Put Your Goals on Paper

Goals help you dream bigger and push you beyond your comfort zone, which is often where real progress takes place. However, as famous author and poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Start by writing down a few long-term goals that you want to accomplish throughout your career. Tie these goals to a purpose and try to be as specific as you can. Then, write a few short-term goals that you want to accomplish by the end of a certain time frame. Make your goals as clear and detailed as possible, including timelines for each one. 

Check Whether They Are Achievable  

Once you have your short-term and long-term goals written down, look them over and make sure they are obtainable. If it looks like there is no possible way to reach your goal, you could be setting yourself up for failure. The timing of your goal is also important to evaluate. Determine how much time you have to reach your goals and whether the timeline is in your control. Readjust both your goals and deadlines as necessary. 

Create Weekly Progress Reports

After you set your goals and measure their attainability, consider creating a progress report for each goal to keep you on track. A recent study conducted by the Journal of Applied Psychology found that having weekly progress reports of your goal increases your success rate by 40 percent. You can create a simple progress report using just a pen and paper. Include the work you’ve done towards your goal that week, any adjustments that need to be made, and action steps for the following week.

Finally, don’t forget to keep a positive attitude throughout any setbacks you face. Negative internal dialog can stop your progress, but positive thinking can encourage you to keep going despite the obstacles. By putting your goals on paper, making them realistic, monitoring your weekly progress, and staying positive, you have all the tools you need to reach your professional goals.