We all know what they say about good intentions. We also know that most of us intended to keep our New Year’s Resolutions, but just a few months into 2015 and we’ve already wasted a chunk of change on our gym memberships and let too many papers pile up in the office.
When it comes to business planning, professional goals and real estate investing, intentions just aren’t enough.
Revenue doesn’t come from “I meant to” and a better business doesn’t grow from empty promises. A portfolio does not magically appear and a successful portfolio takes time and planning. It’s not as easy as it sounds, though, is it? We get busy and all of those good intentions end up on the back-burner. It can be incredibly discouraging, both in personal and professional goals.
What if we told you it doesn’t have to be that way?
Top Tips for Meeting Goals Through ACTION
Bring in the Habits
To achieve our goals, we have to practice meeting them. We don’t wake up one morning and realize a long-term goal out of the blue — so make a habit out of it. Take small steps every day that add up to progress towards what you desire. When you make your intentions a priority and make habits out of them, you won’t find yourself disappointed down the line.
Find People to Keep You Accountable
We can’t do it alone. The support of family members and colleagues can be integral to achievement. They can give you that extra encouragement you need to do what you need to do. If you have a history of procrastination and putting off, make someone bug you. You’ll both get sick of it, sure, but you just might be able to get it done.
Make an Actionable Plan
Most people become easily overwhelmed when faced with a long-term, lofty goal. When it seems out of reach and knowing where to start is unclear, the less likely you’ll be to work towards it. That’s why it’s so important to plan. Sit down and detail how you’re going to get to where you want to be. Set daily, weekly, monthly goals — whatever you need! The more specific you are, the more you set yourself up for success.
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
On the other side of the coin, however, is the fact that we can get bogged down and discouraged when we don’t see the immediate effects of our efforts week to week, or even over months! You start to wonder why you’re bothering when you’ll never get there. But you can get there. Remind yourself of what you want to do. Visualize what your business and life will look like when you meet your professional goals. Ignite your aspiration and keep moving forward.
How do you keep yourself from putting off good intentions? Share your tips in the comments.
