It’s the first Monday of the year and there is a certain energy in the air that makes most entrepreneurs excited about all that lies ahead in the coming year. Many of us make resolutions, set intentions, list out goals, or have a word of the year that we focus on at the beginning of the year. The problem is that by April, many of us feel overwhelmed and are no closer to seeing our early vision of the year become reality. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to ensure you stay on top of your goals this year.
1. Set clear intentions and make a solid plan.
There’s nothing worse that having a goal that isn’t really a goal at all. If you are not honest with yourself about what you really want when setting your goals, you will never be brave enough to actually make it happen. Think about what you really want and make it as clear possible. After you know what your end goal is, make a detailed plan to get there. Don’t let your goals slip out of reach due to failing to plan. Your goals are worth the time and effort to map them out completely.
2. Have an accountability buddy.
Whether your goal is to grow your blog audience, increase sales in your store, bench press more weight, or make new friends, having someone to hold you accountable can be incredibly helpful. Let the most inspiring and supportive people in your inner circle know what your goals are for the year and ask them to gently remind you to keep your eye on the prize if you end up going off course.
3. Get your finances in order.
Many of us have experiences and goals we would love to check off of our bucket lists but our wallets may be holding us back. Whether it’s that backpacking trip, a membership to the new crossfit gym in your neighborhood, or the light kit that will really help with your photography, our bank accounts can have a lot of say in how exactly (and when) we reach our goals. Don’t let your bank account boss you around this year! Make a budget and stick to it like a boss. Be accountable for what you spend and know exactly how much you are making and investing into your business. If you need help, hire someone affordable to help you manage your finances and come up with a game plan to be more financially stable in 2016.