IF IT ’ S GOING TO BE , THEN IT ’ S UP TO ME
How to be successful in the year ahead
When we approach a new year , many of us make resolutions that , we hope , will bring about change in our personal and / or professional lives . We ’ re a little over two months into 2017 , and many of you may still be reflecting on the highs and lows of the past year .
A few years ago , I heard a respectable businessman say : “ If it ’ s going to be , then it ’ s up to me .” While I had heard this line before , it wasn ’ t until he said it that it actually resonated . Perhaps this was because when he said it , it wasn ’ t just another overused quote . He actually believed in the power of those words – and he let this simple saying guide his actions every day .
As this man rose to success , I took note of his technique . When he wanted to accomplish something , he would convert the desire into a goal . Then , he would develop a strategy that would help him achieve his goal . Instead of hoping that everything would simply fall into place he took ownership of the process – instead of waiting for success to happen , he MADE success happen . He brought about the change he wanted to see and , in the process , paved the path toward his own success .
I wanted to follow his example . So I sat down and stared at a piece of paper and readied myself for inspiration to strike – for the objectives I wanted to achieve to fill the blank sheet in front of me with specific , measurable , attainable , relevant , time-based goals that would bring about successful conclusions in all aspects of my life .
I soon found out that the goal-setting process is not nearly as easy as it looks .
Over time I began to get better , not just at writing my goals , but in developing a plan to achieve those goals . The entire process takes motivation and commitment . Here are a few tips to consider as you sit down to write your own goals ( or resolutions ) for the year ahead :
Define What ‘ Success ’ Looks Like
• Will your goals address a personal goal or a team-based goal ? A personal goal will guide your personal success . Therefore you must have sole ownership of that goal . If the goals you are setting depend on the success and dedication of others , then everybody involved must take ownership of the goal to reach a successful conclusion .
• Set aside time to brainstorm . You may have all the motivation in the world , but sometimes it ’ s difficult to convert an idea into an actual goal . Or you may have several goals that are related in some way or that depend on each other . Before you actually start , take 10-15 minutes to write down your thoughts about what you would like to accomplish . Once you have your ideas on paper , you can better visualize what your actual goals should look like .
• Identify S . M . A . R . T . Goals . The most effective goals are “ S . M . A . R . T .” goals , meaning that every goal should be Specific , Measurable , Attainable , Relevant and Time-based . Once you have taken the time to develop comprehensive goals , then you are ahead of the curve when it comes to developing a plan of action for achieving these goals .
Develop A Plan Of Action
1 . Determine who is responsible for completing this goal . Who will be affected by the goal ’ s success or failure ?
2 . Identify what accomplishing the goal will mean for you , your team and your company , and have a clear reason for why is it important .
3 . Decide if your goal will have several parts and if each part will require unique deadlines .
4 . Determine what success will look like and hold yourself accountable to deadlines . Create calendar reminders , leave yourself notes , work with others who will remind you of your responsibilities and will help motivate you to succeed . It is also important to set aside time that will be used to review your progress – a quarterly review would be ideal .
Don ’ t give up ! The goal-setting process can be down-right hard , but if you are determined to see change in some aspect of your personal or professional life , it is essential that you take ownership of that change . And always remember : “ If it ’ s going to be , then it ’ s up to me .”
Will you focus on financial goals in the year ahead ? From retirement tips to business strategy and efficiency , a trusted financial advisor can help you set goals to help guide your financial well-being . by : Mark Fearon
CPA , CGMA , Principal 122 Fourth St . NW
PO Box 1020 New Philadelphia , OH 44663
( 330 ) 308-6894 mark . fearon @ reacpa . com