The difference between success and failure in sports may be a fraction of a second. The difference in business success and failure doesn’t seem to be as close at first glance, but it is. Making it, and not making it, can be due to the smallest of margins. The slightest edge can propel you from the back of the pack to the front. The edge is having written goals. It is easy to go into the office or the shop and put out fires. To keep busy doing aimless activities that seem important at the time. I heard recently from Brian Buffini, professional business coach, ”Many of us aim for nothing and hit it with amazing accuracy!” Where is your focus without a target? We rely on the gut feeling to direct our lives. Wouldn’t you prefer to have the control of making decisions based upon what you really want instead of a knee-jerk reaction when the pressure is on? Write on your calendar a block of time that is dedicated to breaking down what you want, why you want it, and what steps you will do to get there.
Business is only one of five interlinked categories that you should evaluate to make your life more effective and fulfilling. Reflect on your Spiritual Goals, Family Goals, Business Goals, Financial Goals, and Personal Goals.
Spiritual Goals— I wouldn’t leave this blank unless you feel that you may be the first human to live forever.
Family Goals—Visualize the big picture and then weekly activities and block time for them.
Business Goals- These should be specific and measurable. For example, my real estate business is largely by referral and my goal is to receive 200 referrals for home sellers and buyers this year. I am committed to these referred clients and ensure that they are the highest priority, treated like royalty, and the person who referred them is acknowledged as the key to my business success.
Financial goals—In addition to revenue from business, consider other sources of investment income, reflect on what motivates you, and take action to get the funds.
Personal goals—Think about what makes you happy. Do you want to get fit? Get more educated about a subject? Have more time off? Feel the desire to help others in need? Start with the end in mind and work backward to establish daily tasks.
When written goals in these five areas of your life are your priorities, you can’t help but be more effective and fulfilled. It is time for you to use “The Edge”.