Let’s face it, on Monday January 5th 2009, the
year starts in earnest. With that in mind, consider what you are going to
accomplish this year.
I’m not talking about goals. Goals don’t work because over the years, we have given ourselves permission not to reach them.
I’m talking about specific outcomes. What are you willing to commit to right now, that will provide an outcome you find appealing. How long will it take you to reach that outcome?
Outcomes should be
realistic, actionable and measurable.
For example, I’m going to make $25,000 per month in my business is not realistic if you’re only earning $3,000 today.
It’s also not actionable because you are not showing the path you’ll follow to get there.
It is, however, measurable, but only as a final result. Since it’s not realistic or actionable, you won’t reach the goal anyway.
Right now, drop what
you’re doing and write down three main outcomes you’ll create in 2009.
What specific steps will you take to reach the outcome you want?
How will you measure your results? Remember, small steps are needed to reach big outcomes, so measure success as you go. You should measure:
Daily (short term, small steps that lead to a bigger result)
Weekly (a mid-term check to ensure you’re on track)
Monthly (how you progressed and what still needs to be done if the outcome is not yet reached)
If you don’t take this step, you will generally under perform. When you hope for the best and wait to see what happens, your ‘goals’ will remain unfulfilled dreams you have not achieved.
One small step can make a big difference. Taking consistent action to reach an outcome you truly want will get you there.
But you have to
start, so take this step now.
Write down three major outcomes you want to reach in 2009. Then write down the action steps you’ll take to reach each one.
Finally, write down how you’ll measure your success daily, weekly and monthly, until the outcome is reached.
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