It’s less than 60 days to the start of 2017 and if you’re like a lot of us, you’re heading into the busiest season of the year in terms of personal and work life. It can feel like a never-ending to do list that includes client and personal obligations, fun, and festivities. While it seems like goal setting for the New Year is a ways away, we think now is the perfect time to plan!
Before you sit down and realize it’s already January, take time to assess 2016 including what you might do differently in the New Year.
Ask yourself what your goals were for 2016. Did you want to read more? Attend more industry events? Spend more time with family? Let’s reflect on where you wanted to focus and where you actually focused.
What did you do well in 2016? Maybe you walked your dog more or got transcripts to clients ahead of schedule. Take a minute to give yourself a pat on the back for your successes!
How did your goals change throughout the year? Why did they change? Maybe you changed your business model or picked up a big client that has taken your time. If you wanted ten clients per quarter but landed a big case, you may have outpaced your income goals while not meeting your number of client goals. That’s okay! In fact, you might even consider it a success!
What will you change in 2017? For those things you didn’t accomplish, are they still important to you? If yes, how can you accomplish your goal next year? If no, what are your new goals?
Let’s face reality. Life happens. Goals change.
When we set annual goals – dare we say resolutions – we’re setting ourselves up for failure.
Instead of figuring out how to eat the elephant, just take it one bite at a time.
Try working in 90 day increments instead of 365 days at a time. Those who work this way tend to feel more successful and allow themselves adjustments throughout the year. Less of their goals get ignored or unfulfilled because they’re constantly staring them in the face and making changes as needed.
Now is the time to think about what you want to accomplish in your personal and professional life in the coming year. The beauty is that it’s all up to you to create a path for yourself. We’re just here to support you and your San Francisco court reporting business!
