So many of us shy away when we hear someone talking about ‘New Year Resolutions.’ It seems to have become a dirty phrase because it brings back haunting memories of all of our failures in the past. So whether you set goals, resolutions or intentions for your business, here are 5 steps to help you get there!

1. Be specific. Now if you like the SMART goal method, by all means, continue to use it, but that’s not what I am talking about here. Look at where you are in your business TODAY. Where would you like to see it in 5 years? 10 years? Use specific language here. Call your shot. For example, “In 5 years my business operates debt-free.” 
2. Write them down daily. There are a lot of methods, and books out there that talk about the power of writing your goals down daily. This isn’t “name it and claim it” or “law of attraction” type stuff–you are going to have to put in the work to see it. One thing I like to use in my own business is the Start Today Journal from The Hollis Co. You write your Gratitude list first then your goals. Gratefulness>Getting. 
3. Be Intentional. In our over-stressed, easily distracted society today we can easily become overwhelmed. Again, call your shot (except it’s your day). Get a good spiral notebook or planner. Sit down the night before and “brain dump.” Write down everything you need to do the next day. Then, check it off as you go. Set phone alarm reminders to limit your distractions–social media or anything else that interrupts your day.
4. Ask for help. Not all of us are skilled in ALL things. Know your limits. Know who you can delegate to or bounce ideas off of. Can you learn to hand-letter that card with gorgeous Calligraphy? Sure you can. But is it taking time away from your Income Producing Activities (IPA’s)? May want to rethink that tutorial.
5. Visualize the steps to get to your goals and break them down. Want to operate your business debt-free in 5 years? What steps will it take to get there? Can you find additional, cheaper resources? Can you occasionally use Amazon instead of a chain store to cut costs (gas, getting in car/driving which is taking you away from your IPA’s)? Can you save back $5 or $10 a week to build up an emergency fund? If you have ever done brainstorming/clustering in your English classes, you can use this handy method here too–especially if you are a visual person.

Don’t be afraid! Get out there today and call your shot!

Written by: Jennifer Newsom