2 Minute ReadEvery year, usually at the beginning, we set goals. We make resolutions and commit to making changes. In both our personal lives and in business. What often happens, though, is that we set them, and don’t ever review how we did…not until the end of the year, anyway. By then, it’s way too late to make any changes or do anything about the goals that we never achieved. It’s also too late to celebrate our successes, and time to set new goals! We’re about half-way through the year now. So it’s time to take a look… How are you doing on your goals? Are you hitting the milestones you planned for?  If you are, have you rewarded yourself and those who helped you? If not, what do you need to do to get back on track?Typically, when people miss a goal, they look for and identify reasons why they fell short. The problem is that they don’t ever create a plan to recover and get back on track. Thinking that the previous time period is history and that it can’t be fixed, they just “try harder” during the next period.

So what can you do?

Conduct an autopsy of all your goals. Not just the ones you missed. Take a look at each one, and think about all the reasons why a goal was achieved or wasn’t achieved. This is extremely helpful if you want future goal success. After the autopsy, create a plan. What new goals should you set? What goals need work? How will you get back on track?Make sure your plan and goals are SMART. Having SMART goals helps you keep on track. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Trackable.

Some examples of SMART Goals:

• I will gain 4 new clients by June 1, 2014.
• I'm going to participate in 2 networking opportunities per week beginning April 1^st.
• I will lose 20 pounds by August 1, 2014.
• I will exercise for 30 minutes per day, 5 times a week, beginning May 1^st.

Now that you have them written, you will need a system to keep you on track. You have to create new habits. Review them daily. Set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself when to review each goal. Tell others what goals you are working on so they can help you. Talk about how you’re doing. Setting and achieving goals takes work. Do things that keep you motivated. Most importantly, take time to celebrate your successes.Find 5 ways to make your resolutions work for you, right here.