How to Have the Year You Want

Written by Nancy Bleeke

5 Steps to Strengthen Goal Clarity

Want to reflect at year-end and find that you achieved what you set out to do? Focus on strengthening goal clarity now to end the year with a “Wow, I accomplished what I wanted/needed to.”

In the past month many of my “students” have told me that they CAN’T set goals because everything is changing and they aren’t sure what tomorrow holds. What? That doesn’t make sense. Changing econmies is exactly WHY we should set goals! So we can have the year WE want. It’s possible if we don’t get caught in reactionary activities.

To start thinking about goals, a quote by Diane Scharf Hunt…

"Goals are dreams with deadlines."

Who couldn’t use a little dreaming today? And once we know our dreams, we need to capture them into specific, written and measurable goals. That is what goal clarity is…having specific, written and measurable outcomes that we are working toward. And we can make this easier by following a process to make it efficient and successful.

Calendar Following is a goal clarity strengthening process to implement right now…really, RIGHT now. Take out a piece of paper and writing instrument and make 5 columns on the page for your own Goal Planner.

1. In the left column write at least 5 things you want to happen in the next 60 days. These are outcomes like “I have one new sales appointment each work day.” or “I am closing $___ in business each week.” These are now your goal statements.

A caution: Review the outcomes for measurability and specificity to see whether you can identify whether it is accomplished or not. A couple of examples of common goals I hear:

• Goal: “To have less stress.” What does less stress look like? How will you know if you have achieved it or not? How can you determine whether you have less stress or not? The statement needs to be more specific.

• Goal: “More time with my family.” Another great outcome desired – but not specific or measurable. Be specific on what time with your family looks/feels like. Does it mean a certain amount of time each night? Weekend? Certain activities completed together? “I will eat dinner with my family 3 times each week.” allows me to know whether I have achieved this or not.

2. Look at each statement and identify the actions you need to take to get there. Write 2-3 actions that will move you toward each outcome in the 2nd column.

3. Write a specific time/date when you will take that action in the 3rd column. Is it each day? Week? How often? A date is another checkpoint on the road to success.

4. Next, identify your reward for completing those actions or the goal. Think through the BENEFIT of completing the action that leads you to the goal or outcome. Will you sleep better? Will there be self satisfaction? A treat like a special coffee or candy? Be prepared to “reward” yourself when you have completed the action/outcome. Write these in the 4th column.

5. And in the 5th column write the name of a stakeholder for this goal or outcome. A stakeholder is someone that will care about this outcome - it might be a manager, a spouse, a colleague, a friend. You may have different stakeholders for each goal.

Finished? Congratulations! Look at this paper - you have at least 5 goals and a plan of action for the next 60 days to get there!

What’s next? Taking action! The first action is to share each goal with your stakeholder for that goal. Your stakeholders are beneficial as they may be able to:

1. Clarify the outcome with you to make sure it is specific enough for you to know whether you reach it or not.

2. Identify other actions that can get you there quicker or easier.

3. Help you in some way to achieve the goal.

4. Celebrate your progress and ultimate success!

5. Add accountability.

After your stakeholder is ready to stand by your side, it’s all up to you! The 5 steps to goal clarity will allow you to have the year you want – regardless of changing market conditions. It starts today with the action you take.

Nancy Bleeke -
	Sales expert Nancy Bleeke, The SalesProInsider helps organizations achieve higher sales them while boosting profitability by hiring, training and retaining the best employees. Companies can increase sales 5-25% in six weeks using Nancy’s tools and skill training for sales and coaching. Ready-to-go sales training kits for 30 minute sales boosts are available through Nancy's Sharpenz.com. Visit to download a free sales booster. She shares her expertise with the Timely Tips ezine and her blog. Contact Nancy at 414.235.3064 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Read More >>
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