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3 Steps to Set Better Goals
Episode 4
Story Time
A few weeks ago, I was on a run. This was the first run I had gone on in over a month. I have never been a super long distance runner, but I enjoy a solid 2-4 miles when I can. I run because I feel better and it gives me a space to escape my usual zone and allows me to think about my to do lists in new ways.
My typical running mentality is “Okay, I went three miles last time I ran so this time I should be able to go three and a half miles AND I should be able to do it at a quicker pace. That will show that I’m improving.”
So here I am, about to go on a run with this same mindset after not exercising for over a month. Soon after I started, I realized that I was not going to be able to run as far as I went last time. So what did I do instead? I broke out of that mindset and realized that I would be overexerting myself, which would be counterproductive to my goals of running for health and creative inspiration. With this in mind, I re-evaluated and decided to use my current fitness levels to set the distance for how far I would run.
Translated to the business world, say you are an independent website consultant and you have a client who wants you to create a website for them and is asking you to provide a timeline of how soon you can get it done. Here are some steps to help you determine what a reasonable goal would be:
1. Analyze Historic Trends
Ask yourself these questions to help look at historic information and use them to get started in the right direction before you set your goals.
1. How much experience do you have in website creation and and is there a project you have previously worked on similar to the needs of this particular client? How long did it take you to build that website? Use that as a guide for creating a timeline for this project.
2. How complex are the asks of this client?
3. What level of detail will the client need in order to be satisfied?
2. Analyze Current Context
Next, look at where you are at right now. What other priorities do you have to work on? If you are in need of a client, it would be a good idea to devote a majority of your time to this client as it will help you shorten your timeline. However, if you have other client projects you are working on, they are going to take your time away from doing this client’s project and you will need to lengthen your timeline goals. Time is a huge factor in setting your goals and it is critical to analyze your current situation because your priorities and time availability are constantly in flux.
3. Create Informed Goals
Now it’s time to set your goals and it is important to make them SMART. Here is a list of examples of SMART goals.
Specific – I will create a five page website containing images, videos, and text for my client and have it finished two weeks from today.
Measurable – This client is asking me to make a five page website, each with their own specific items to build. Along the way, I can check off how many pages I’ve completed and how many I have yet to do.
Attainable – I know my skills in website building and this timeline seems like it will be challenging but not to the point where I can’t do it.
Realistic – I have build several websites already and I know I have the skills to complete the needs of this client and if I devote the appropriate amount of time, this two-week timeline can be done.
Time-Bound – This project will be done within two weeks from today.
Based on your expertise in websites and your familiarity with what is being asked for by this client PLUS the amount of time you have to devote to this project will be your guide to create realistic goals that you will be able to accomplish effectively.
Conclusion
Goal setting is an essential skill for working, especially in a business environment. Understanding how to analyze your current priorities, balance your expertise, and efficiently organize your time will help you create better goals and effectively accomplish them. This can lead to better time management and increase the value you bring to your clients, customers, or your company.
2 responses to “3 Steps to Set Better Goals”
Please do more “Story Time with Sam”!! I love it 🙂 Also, your layout in the blog notes and the blog page is KILLER. I love it.
Thanks Holden! I appreciate it. I also really enjoyed Story Time with Sam 🙂