10 top targets for 2012

Traditionally, this is the time of year when we set new business and personal targets. Business coach Linda Denny 10 steps to achieving those aims

1. Whatever your goals are for 2012, the best way to start is to look back at 2011. Ask yourself what your three biggest achievements were and what you learned. What were the things you wanted to achieve but didn’t? What stopped you?

2. Next, a good trick is to fast forward to January 2013 and look back on 2012 as if you had already done it. You can then appreciate how you might have achieved
the change you’re after.

3. Write down your goals – otherwise they are just dreams. Your goals should match your personal and professional values – things that matter to you.

4. Break each goal into small steps – just like a project plan. A goal made of five specific sub-goals will seem more achievable. Any plan must also have dates and a timescale.

5. Measure success on a frequent basis. This gives you a sense of moving towards your goal, even if they might seem relatively small successes. Tracking progress and refreshing yourself keeps you focused.

6. Recognise the benefits of achieving your goal. Write them down. If you don’t achieve your goal, what will you be missing? Also, list the costs. There will certainly be short-term costs in money and time during this process. Are you comfortable with these?

7. Tell certain people what it is you want to achieve. This way, you’ll get support when the going gets tough and it will also act as an incentive – you won’t want to admit not doing anything when they ask how things are going.

8. Attach a reward to a sub-goal. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new gadget or trip to the cinema, having something to look forward to is highly motivational.

9. Just like actors getting into character, visualise the new you – adopt this new style and approach, whether it’s acting or even dressing differently.

10. The purpose of a goal is to create some kind of change. It won’t happen overnight and it won’t happen if you just carry on doing the same thing. There will be sacrifices and barriers, but using this disciplined, composite approach, you can do it.