What impact can goal setting have on your business and your life this year?
A year ago we tasked our staff with not only setting business goals but also share something at our first staff meeting of the year that they’re shooting for in their personal life. We followed the SMART formula: 
The goals were varied – some focused on weight loss, financial success, household projects, getting your first place, and even making and honoring time commitments with family. The experience of sharing weekly updates on progress has been eye-opening. To speak that goal out loud each week and be accountable to taking one step closer to that goal led many to accomplishing their mission.
For 2014 we introduced our “personal best boards.” It’s a simple two-sided acrylic picture frame. On the front are our business benchmarks and stretch goals. On the back is visual representation of our individual goals – usually a collage of related or motivational pictures.
I’m so proud on the progress of our team!!! Just four months into the year many have accomplished their first goal and had to create a new goal for 2014. We have a fitter, happier success focused staff. They encourage and praise one another, and even look for opportunities to help them accomplish their personal goals.
“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” –Andrew Carnegie
Experts will tell you to speak your goal out loud like a mantra. Visualize yourself completing your goal and how you will feel. Walking a mile begins with putting 1 foot in front of the other…
Reaching the goal is a combination of small but important steps. Be honest with yourself. Are your goals written down? Are they just dreams or do they have deadlines? What actions are you taking today to make this your best year yet?
Contributed by Heather Craaybeek.
