S.M.A.R.T GOALS

Setting specific “SMART” goals is not just an essential requirement for life but a powerful strategy that can significantly improve our everyday lives. It's a familiar concept, but remembering the fundamental actions that can make our lives easier and more successful is always beneficial. 

Dr. Gail Matthews of Dominican University in California conducted a study that found people who write down their goals and share progress with others are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. This is related to the “Specific” and “Measurable” aspects of SMART goals!

Focusing on plans can be challenging, especially for busy individuals in an ever-demanding world. Setting clear and specific goals is essential for driving business success, but on a basic level, it makes life a little easier. Making meaningful progress becomes more accessible with a roadmap outlining your goals. Here are four practical ways to set and define specific goals for your business:

1. Identify Specific Measurable Objectives: Define specific, measurable objectives aligning with your business vision. Instead of vague goals like "increase sales," aim for specific outcomes such as "increase monthly sales revenue by 20% within the next quarter." Measurable goals provide clarity and allow you to track progress accurately.

2. Make Goals Achievable and Realistic: When setting goals, consider your resources, capabilities, and current market conditions. While setting ambitious goals is essential, they must also be attainable and realistic. Break down larger objectives into smaller, achievable milestones to maintain motivation and momentum.

3. Another key aspect of goal-setting is ensuring the relevance of each goal to your business's growth. By evaluating each goal's alignment with your long-term vision and strategic priorities, you can ensure that every goal directly contributes to your business's success. Goals that are closely tied to core business objectives are more likely to drive meaningful results.

4. Establishing clear deadlines is a crucial part of your goal-setting strategy. By setting time-bound deadlines, you create a sense of urgency and accountability, which in turn helps you prioritize tasks, maintain focus, and track progress effectively. This structured approach keeps you organized and in control, ensuring you stay on track to achieve your goals.

These four strategies are the initial steps to setting and defining specific goals that propel your business forward and keep you on the path to success. As I mentioned, they are not intended to be earth-shattering but a reminder that sometimes we forget that starting with simple steps can make a difference. 

These are small snippets to help you start your journey to success. Ask yourself how I can support you one-to-one to accomplish more professionally and personally. If you would like further assistance or guidance in this or other areas, such as setting strategic goals for yourself or your business, book an appointment with me using the link in the contact section so we can talk. You never know, it might just create a change in your future!

WORK-LIFE BALANCE: THE ESSENCE OF NATIONAL WORKAHOLICS DAY

I consider myself a recovering Workaholic, having been a City of London lawyer, a C-Suite executive in Manhattan, and now a self-employed Business Mentor and ICF Life Coach, but is there a fine line between being one and creating a healthy work-life balance?  All need to understand at least the implications of working beyond the standard 40-hour workweek, and this in part, is how National Workaholics Day encourages work-life balance.

We live at a time where success is often equated with productivity; as such, it's easy to get swept up in the grind. National Workaholics Day, which I had no idea is observed annually on July 5, is a gentle reminder to all about the importance of creating a work and personal life-balanced existence. 

I didn’t know that the term “workaholic" was coined in 1968 by comedian Rodney Dangerfield. It describes individuals who prioritize work above all else, often at the expense of their relationships, health, and overall well-being. I cannot lie and say that I do not recognize that description from my own past work habits. To say I never switched off from work is an understatement.

It's not uncommon for workaholics to work 50, 60, or even more hours each week. But unsurprisingly, the repercussions of such an approach are severe, including burnout and a lack of work-life balance. As I progressed with my legal career past the 20-year mark, the number of relationship breakdowns, heart attacks, and mental health issues suffered by acquaintances and colleagues alike did not escape me. Still, as is frequently the case with addicts, workaholics, or otherwise, I never felt that applied to me.  

Understanding that an incessant focus on work can lead to diminishing returns and negatively affect overall well-being is important. Therefore,  in celebration, commiseration, or recognition of National Workaholics Day, think about the following as a good start to transforming your life balance, ultimately making you happier and likely more successful.

Try taking a day off: Taking a day off won't sabotage our careers or result in disaster. Enjoy this day by engaging in some form of relaxing activity which could be as simple as reading a book, going for a gentle walk around an art gallery or museum, cooking, or simply indulging in some well-deserved rest while watching old movies. 

Think about creating a work moderation plan to ensure a healthy balance. This could include setting boundaries for work hours, carving out time for family and friends, and dedicating time for hobbies and self-care. It's important to try to refrain from carrying workplace stress back home or engaging in work outside of office hours, which as a lawyer, is an art I never mastered, but I now make a point of doing now. Just switch off and give yourself a break. Your productivity is likely to increase as a result. 

Reach out to a friend who has similar working patterns to yourself. If you know someone who's a workaholic, gently express your concern for their well-being and explain that you are similar. Offer mutual support and encouragement to adopt a more balanced lifestyle. National Workaholics Day isn't about promoting idleness but emphasizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle that will ultimately make you more effective in your business and personal life. In a world that seems to urge us to do more, try to remember to remember that our productivity doesn’t solely define our worth. Use this day to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world outside your workspace. 

And last but not least, reach out to me for a free initial conversation about how I can help you improve your work-life balance and ultimately become a more successful person by Creating Greater Success With Greater Clarity.

https://calendly.com/petergourri-coaching/success

Happy National Workaholics Day!