The end of the year is often a time for reflection as well as goal setting. During the year, we focus on execution, checking things off our to do list as quickly as possible. As the holidays approach, it’s a time to breathe—a time to look around at our families and those we love and think for a bit. “Have I accomplished what I intended?” “Am I on track for my long-term goals?” “Am I on the right path?”
When we talk about goals, we often think of financial goals. The desire to earn six or seven figures a year is important, but a good mountaineer knows that you have more than one goal with every trek. Say you want to summit Everest, you might focus on the summit goal. But you’d also have a funding goal, a team goal, a fitness goal and many more. As you assess your progress it’s important to not just count the miles towards the summit, but also to consider a holistic view of all the areas in which you hope to achieve. Consider journaling a little about the following areas, where you are and where you hope to be.
Business goals
- Have you hit your production goals?
- Is your business growing at the rate needed?
- Are your employees happy and fulfilled in their roles?
- Are you winning awards and recognized in your industry?
- What do you want to change for 2018 and how will you benchmark your progress?
Life goals
- Are you investing in personal development?
- Are you performing at your optimal level?
- How have you grown in 2018?
- What do you want to change for 2018 and how will you benchmark your progress?
Financial goals
- Are you optimizing your earnings?
- Are you spending what you need to spend and saving where you can?
- Are you investing strategically?
- Are you planning for your financial future?
- What do you want to change for 2018 and how will you benchmark your progress?
Personal goals
- Is your family happy?
- Are you fulfilled in your relationships and, conversely, are you fulfilling others?
- Are you spending enough time and energy on fitness and health?
- What do you want to change for 2018 and how will you benchmark your progress?
Hopefully after this short exercise you have a view into your 2017 progress and your 2018 journey. Aligning your goals ensures focus and a holistic approach to success. Cheers to making your 2018 the best year yet!