As this is the beginning of the year 2022, it is fitting for us to take a look at one of the favourite activities for this time of year. “New Year Resolutions.” The start of the new year is when many people set new goals. However, often this time-honoured tradition of setting new year resolutions is an exercise in self-punishment. But after a global pandemic such as we have all witnessed and lived through, many of us have had time to re-evaluate what is important to us in life. We have taken stock of how we should change and what we should be prepared to accept.
For many, it seems like life has been on hold for nearly two years, as the Covid pandemic restrictions prevented many of us from making personal, business and professional plans. In fact, three-quarters of people around the world feel stuck personally and professionally. This was revealed by a study by software firm Oracle and HR Research Firm Workplace Intelligence, published in October 2021, which researched over 14,600 workers across 13 countries. While there continues to be a great deal of uncertainty, with information on the newest Covid Omicron variant still emerging, there are hopes that 2022 could look a little brighter.
As we learn to live with this new virus and its disruptive effects on our lives, you may have resolved to start a new business, re-purpose your existing business, change sector focus, become technology-driven, make more money, expand your existing business on virtual platforms etc. So how can you make sure that this year’s resolutions will not go the way of past resolutions, “unfulfilled.” Experts say the answer is to combine DESIRE, DECISION, and DEED.
Many people want to do things differently (DESIRE), make the resolutions (DECISION), but fail to achieve their goals (DEED). Here are 5 simple steps to follow to make this year one of achieving your goals.
Step 1
Ask yourself why you are setting a particular goal? Success, or Money, for its own sake, is not enough. You must desire the achievement of the goal with your reason for doing it. This gives you an intensity of purpose. Use the answer to this question as a motivator when you face the challenges that may come as you try to attain your goals.
Step 2
Commit your goals to paper. Writing down your goals helps you to see the opportunities for achieving them. Review them constantly as this will reinforce your commitment to achieving them.
Step 3
Express your goals in ways that you can measure. A goal without specific parameters or a quantifiable result attached to it becomes a mere wish. Be specific and ask yourself what it means to accomplish your goal? How do you define success? Do you want to make N200,000 or N1,000,000 or N100’000,000 turnover? The more specific you are about setting your goals, the more you can chart your progress and achieve tangible results.
Step 4
Break your goals into smaller achievable steps. Most of us become paralyzed because we set such grand goals for ourselves. Set incremental goals for yourself. For example if you wish to make 1 million Naira and you are currently earning 200 thousand Naira, set a smaller goal of first increasing your income by 50% or 100%.
Step 5
Decide what to do next. Develop a strategy for achieving your goal. If you intend to expand your business, ask yourself what needs to happen, to make this possible? Include in your strategy what you need to learn in order to accomplish your goal. Identify the people, organisations, or associations, that can assist you. Once your strategy is complete, develop an action plan to make it all happen.