Time is moving so fast. It seems like yesterday, I was putting the final touches on my annual plan. Almost three months later, I’m shocked that it’s time for me to do my quarterly planning.
If you have been following me, you know how passionate I am about the quarterly planning process. Just before the start of a quarter, I review my plans, revise them if necessary, and plan out the next 90 days. I have learned that 90-day planning is the best way to achieve my goals.
However, it all starts with a goal. A written goal.
We all have dreams, aspirations and ambitions. However, a written goal is the number one thing that makes the difference between an idea and something that transforms into a reality.
I meet lots of entrepreneurs who have an idea or a dream, but they don’t have clear, written goals for themselves. So many do not take the time to plan, to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Today, I thought I would delve into the transformative power of having written goals.
Imagine embarking on a journey without a map or a destination in mind. You might wander aimlessly, unsure of where you’re headed and what you hope to achieve.
I do not have a sense of direction, so when I go out, I need a map. My husband, on the other hand, has a great sense of direction, but he hates heading out unless he has an objective, a timeline, or a purpose. For both of us, we need a goal and a plan.
Business isn’t any different. You need a destination and a plan to get where you want to go. Without written goals, our dreams may remain nebulous, unclear, and undefined. The process of writing down our goals forces us to articulate precisely what we want to accomplish, providing us with clarity and a roadmap that guides our actions with clarity and purpose.
There’s something inherently binding about putting our intentions into writing. It’s as if we’ve made a pact with ourselves, committing to the pursuit of our dreams with unwavering determination. When we articulate our goals on paper, we create a tangible reminder of our aspirations, holding ourselves accountable for taking the necessary steps to turn them into reality.
These written goals also serve as a way to filter out the noise that presents itself every day. Every day, we need to make choices on how we spend our money, time, and energy. It is easy to get distracted by shiny objects or the next new thing. However, those goals that you committed to and that you wrote down with clarity and intention can help serve as a way to filter and prioritize, keeping you more focused on what matters.
Written goals serve as benchmarks against which we can measure our progress. They provide a yardstick by which we can assess how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. Whether crossing off tasks on a to-do list or tracking milestones on a timeline, documenting our goals enables us to monitor our advancement and make course corrections along the way.
Life is rife with obstacles and challenges that threaten to derail our progress. However, when we have our goals committed to writing, we arm ourselves with a powerful tool for resilience. In moments of doubt or adversity, we can refer back to our written goals as a source of inspiration and motivation, reminding us of the dreams fueling our determination to persevere.
This is one of the reasons I love 90-day planning. Inevitably, we will have hit some obstacles or had to take some detours, all of which cause us to get off track. With the 90-day planning process, we get the opportunity to check in, reassess, make tweaks and changes, and get back on track.
Finally, written goals serve as a testament to our achievements, providing us with a tangible record of our triumphs. As we reach each milestone and accomplish our objectives, we have the satisfaction of crossing items off our list and witnessing the tangible results of our efforts. Celebrating these victories not only bolsters our confidence but also reaffirms our belief in the power of written goals to transform our lives.
In essence, having written goals is like wielding a magic wand that empowers us to shape our destiny. By crystallizing our aspirations into written form, we harness the forces of intention, focus, and accountability to chart a course toward success. So, let’s pick up our pens and begin scripting the story of our dreams, one goal at a time. After all, as the saying goes, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
If you need help setting goals, check out the Acuity Path Planning Workshop or the Acuity Path Membership. Both can help.
“Write it down. Written goals have a way of transforming wishes into wants; cant’s into cans; dreams into plans; and plans into reality. Don’t just think it – ink it!”Michael Korda
“Write it down. Written goals have a way of transforming wishes into wants; cant’s into cans; dreams into plans; and plans into reality. Don’t just think it – ink it!”
If you are looking for a Mastermind, I invite you to look at the Acuity Path Growth and Clarity Membership. Each includes a Mastermind group, access to our monthly working sprint and business clarity planning session, and more. Learn more here: https://acuitypath.ca/accountability-groups/
Let’s stay connected. I offer monthly tips to help you with productivity and self-leadership.
Want to learn more about how I can help? I offer a free 30-minute strategy session. Book HERE
Turn your desktop into a motivational calendar!
Download here!