Keys to Effective Goal Planning
At this point I would encourage you not only to identify your goals but to determine the intermediate goals which you will need to help you reach them.
The process used here is a practical, non-technical approach designed to bring out the creative thinker in you. The process is often called brainstorming or mindmapping. Here is how you can do it.
Once you have identified a goal write it out on a flip chart or a large blank piece of paper. Using small “self adhesives notes” or any other type of stick notes, just let your mind flow freely and write whatever comes to mind regarding your goal. Don’t edit at this point. This process should be free flowing and full of idea. Plan sufficient time to allow the creativity to blossom. Once you’ve done this, group the notes in similar categories.
You will be amazed to find the details this method will reveal.
Next, start working on each category as a separate task. This process will also help you in controlling procrastination, as large projects are divided into manageable pieces.
When you do this exercise take the time to review both personal and professional goals. No one lives two separate lives; this is especially true when we work from home. Occasionally, we need to do a reality check to ensure our personal and professional lives are balanced.
Once we’ve created our goals, we need to keep an important idea in mind. It has been said, “That which is not measured cannot be improved”. To know whether we are successful or not we need to keep track or measure the outcomes.
The key to measuring success in living your plans or goals is to..
- Structure the day clearly recognizing that a plan needs to be flexible
- Makes the structure real and realistic
- Focus the plan
- Track and measure your daily performance, by reviewing your goals and objectives
A process of creating structure, determining focus, establishing flexibility, and measuring daily progress will assist you in:
- Knowing what is important
- Planning your day around your priorities
- Measuring your performance against these criteria
- Making necessary adjustments on an immediate basis
Can you imagine the power in avoiding going too far off course by simply focusing on those things necessary to your success in your business?
Every day when you sit down to prepare your “to-do” list make sure you review goals, ask your self if you have focused on things that are really important in your life, verify that you are on the right track and that today you are focusing on those things that are important to you.
http://www.substantialincomes.com/blog/
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