You probably think life would be so much simpler if you could just concentrate on only a few things at work. Yet, we constantly think we need to achieve lots of goals, and we lose laser focus on the things that matter. The reality is that we all have to juggle a wide variety of things, so you need to make choices. Below are four easy ways to evaluate your business goals.
The Science of Achieving Business Goals
A number of studies suggest that breaking goals down into specific action steps works when applied to a single goal. However, that approach tends to backfire when we have more going on. It seems we become more aware of the potential obstacles in our way when we have multiple requirements. That doesn’t mean there is not a pathway forward. The pathway requires some deliberate action and discipline and yet the payoff is tremendous.
So, what do you do if you need to make progress without getting overwhelmed? Consider these strategies.
Evaluate Your Current List of Goals
- Select three priorities. If you feel like you’re being pulled in all directions, take time to reflect on what matters most to you. You decide what you spend your energy on and in the EOS world we always say – ‘Less is more’.
- Be realistic about time limits. We often underestimate how long it will take to complete tasks. Ensure you know how much time you really have within a typical week, month and quarter to work on goals. I am sure there are some big goals you want to achieve, and you need to think through what it takes to reach them. Think less about the outcome (you know what that is) and think more about the process to get there.
- Decline requests tactfully. Learning to say no graciously will spare you from taking on excessive obligations. It’s okay to say no to a meeting that would be nice to attend but not necessary to attend. Learn to trust others and reflect back on the concept of – is doing this work commensurate to how much I charge out per hour? If not in the words of Nancy Reagan – ‘Just say no’.
- Stay up to date. Our objectives shift at different stages in our professional lives. Understand what is important to you and how you can best contribute. In other words, does your role satisfy your needs? If it does not meet your needs, you are most likely performing at sub-par (in your eyes or your business) and achieving goals can be really difficult when you are not motivated to the level required.
The Goals You Want to Keep
Now that you have used four easy ways to evaluate your business goals, here are ten ways to treat the goals you want to keep.
- Select role models: Surround yourself with inspiring individuals who showcase what’s possible. Observe their trade-offs to learn how to navigate your own choices.
- Define your success: Determine how to measure your progress. Prioritize important tasks and decide which ones require excellence versus minimum effort.
- Merge projects: Identify connections between tasks to streamline efforts. For example, focus on overall health instead of tracking every calorie.
- Resist rushing: Slow down. Chronic stress hampers performance.
- Segment your time: Allocate specific time slots for tasks. Focus on one activity at a time to avoid inefficiency.
- Master logistics: Plan tasks in logical order, considering priorities or workflows, either the night before or in the morning.
- Work as a team: Success often relies on support from others—colleagues, mentors, or loved ones.
- Seek expert help: Reduce the learning curve by asking for guidance. Consider the cost of not seeking help when evaluating the expense.
- Know your best time of day: Tackle challenging tasks when you’re most productive, like mornings for early risers.
- Stay fit: Dedicate time to maintain your health for long-term success.
The cornerstones to evaluating your business goals
The four easy ways to evaluate your business goals are all about:
- Pare down your goals
- Coordinate your efforts
- Understand yourself better; and
- Worry less and get more accomplished.
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