Are your annual goals set? You’re all done then, right? Not if you want success!
Reviewing goal progress is a continuous process
Do you need help to stay on track, focusing your efforts to achieve short and long-term goals? I definitely have that problem and am apt to stray down rabbit holes that may or may not be productive, thus, taking time away from progressing toward attaining goals.
You can read thousands of books on productivity and achieving goals. The goal category has new materials entered daily, along with YouTube videos and podcasts. So, what is so special about the several approaches I’m sharing in this article? They work for me and perhaps will for you when you put your unique stamp on the process.
Annual goal setting? How about a weekly or daily review to keep focus?
There is no such thing as an “annual” goal-setting exercise, somewhere along the way, you have decided to write down your goals for the coming year or are considering using a more structured approach compared to your current seat-of-the-pants method. The goal “list” is now your baseline of expectations and should be updated regularly. I break my goals into three main categories - personal growth, family growth, and business growth. Each category has 8 - 10 items.
I take this annual list and break it down into eight-week blocks of planned achievements. For example, if my goal is to write an article every two weeks, then my bi-monthly goal is to write four articles. Likewise, if the goal is to obtain six new clients over a year, then the bi-monthly goal is to land one project with a brand-new client. My goals are more achievable when they are measurable and countable.
This process is relatively easy to manage, as I review the goal list first thing each morning, focusing on the bi-monthly breakdown. If I find myself rolling over goals from one bimonthly period to the next, it’s clear that I’m not being diligent about focusing on what’s important. I give myself a verbal dress down and strive to do better. Or, if I find that I’m overachieving in specific goals, I celebrate but then evaluate whether I’ve left some “sand in the bag” in setting that particular goal and, if so, up the goal expectation.
The evening planner sets the table for tomorrow
Another technique I rely on is the “evening planner .”At the close of each day, I review today’s progress toward goals set for today and prioritize tomorrow’s activities. I use the “calendar blocking” technique to outline the framework for the next day. I find this approach allows me to reflect on progress and realign priorities.
Reviewing goals and prioritizing tasks at the end of each day also activates your subconscious, planting the seed in your mind for a more focused approach as you start (and avoiding those rabbit holes).
Review goals daily
What is your method?
Here I’ve described the methods that work for me when setting goals and staying on track. More often than not, they have been successful. I didn’t start out using all of these tools, as my methods have evolved. The key for all of us is to start by writing down goals, determining time periods, and then using techniques that work for you to stay on track.
About Russ Hissom - Article Author
Russ Hissom, CPA is a principal of Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists a firm that provides power utilities rate, expert witness, and consulting services, and online/on-demand courses on accounting, rates, FERC/RUS construction accounting, financial analysis, and business process improvement services. Russ was a partner in a national accounting and consulting firm for 20 years. He works with electric investor-owned and public power utilities, electric cooperatives, broadband providers, and gas, water, and wastewater utilities. His goal is to share industry best practices to help your business perform effectively and efficiently and meet the challenges of the changing power and utilities industry.
Find out more about Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists here, or you can reach Russ at russ.hissom@utilityeducation.com.
The material in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or accounting advice provided by Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists. You should seek formal advice on this topic from your accounting or legal advisor.