by Annette Sharpe
There are many tried and true goal setting tips available to you, and I encourage every coach and entrepreneur to know and understand them. At the same time, there are a few 'out of the box' insights that I believe coaches also need to know in order to set and achieve meaningful goals and intentions with our clients.
Consider these extra insights when setting goals/intentions to create whatever it is you want in your life:
Tip #1: Remember—YOU HAVE A LIFE!
Don't fool yourself into believing you can do every single thing you want to do, every single day. You have a life, after all. Your life consists of so many different areas: relationships, health, business, money, spirituality, personal growth, etc. If you set goals in only one area, you're setting yourself up to lose.
Tip #2: Do one small thing every day
While I do believe that it's very important to prioritize your actions daily, the most important action that you should take as an entrepreneur—every single day—is one small step towards your big dream or vision. This can be something as small as making a connection with a prospective business partner, or simply stating an affirmation.
Tip #3: Use an accountability system
As an entrepreneur myself, I know what it's like to set a goal and then allow something more pressing to get in my way of achieving it. But when I know that someone is counting on me to get something done, or when I've given my word that I would complete a task, I do it. Most people are the same way, especially as our consciousness evolves. What tools do you use to hold yourself accountable? What tools do you use with your clients to help them keep track of their goals?
Tip #4: Focus on sharing your natural gifts
Why set a goal that shouldn't be yours in the first place? People who share their natural gifts with others are happier, more balanced and more successful. You were given your gifts for a reason, so focus on what you're good at and what you love to do. Stop draining your valuable creative energy doing what you don't like; let someone else do what they do best! Building a team of multi-talented people will help you – directly or indirectly – to achieve your goals.
Tip #5: Be open to change
Life is fluid and unpredictable. You must allow for some organic growth of your business and that means allowing for change to occur naturally. There are simply too many things that we cannot foresee. In fact, even when we believe we're on track to achieving a goal, life has a fabulous way of sending us surprises—and those sometimes lead to even more meaningful outcomes. So expect them, and allow for them. You will feel much more peaceful as you and your business grow. When the unexpected happens (and it will), take a deep breath, re-assess, and move forward with your next step. By continuing to focus on the small steps, you will build and maintain momentum in your life.
Annette Sharpe is the founder of Growing for Success, a multi-coach coaching company, and the creator of the Inspired Steps Coaching System. Visit Annette at www.growingforsuccess.com/inspiredsteps.html to learn how you can license the tools and system that will help you attract, engage and retain more clients.
Member benefit: IAC Member Benefit: IAC members save 40% on the annual licensing fee for the program (use the coupon code on the IAC Members page).
