Before we dive into the decision to make business goals or not, its probably best to define what a goal is in the first place. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “goal” as something that you are trying to do or achieve. Notice the words “trying to do or achieve”. These words imply action.
Sorry, we can’t all be like Mike
A goal is not simply some abstract dream that you hope to accomplish someday. Remember when you were a kid and you dreamed of being an astronaut, professional athlete, or actor/actress? That’s not the kind of goal we are getting at here so lets not confuse those with realistic and attainable goals that have a high likelihood of being accomplished – and relatively fast.
So back to the point of this post, should you set goals or not? The short answer is yes.
Why should you? Well, making goals provides you a great framework for your business and helps set you down the right paths. Really, the direction that goals provide is the biggest asset to creating goals.
What Should A Business Goal Look Like?
Ok, now you know goals are good. What should your goals look like? Make them:
- Short Term
- Realistic & Attainable
Let’s look at goal creation through the experience of an average rookie going into the NFL. Does he want to be a Hall-of-Famer one day? Most likely, but he knows that he must have a collection of great seasons to be eligible for that. The long term goal will only come if short term goals are created and fulfilled. So, he knows he must make a short-term goal of having a great upcoming season.
Additionally, he will make goals that are realistic and attainable. For example, a rookie WR (see key) who lands on a team with 2 great WRs ahead of him and with an injured QB (see key) wouldn’t be prudent to set a goal of leading the league in receptions. There is a very high probability that goal won’t be accomplished. He is a rookie receiver (and average at that), his QB is injured, and he is at best the third best receiver on his team. A better goal would be to lead the league in receptions made by a rookie. So lets take this back into non-football terminology, you set realistic and attainable goals by knowing the tools/resources you possess, understanding your current limits/restrictions, and being knowledgable of your circumstances (competition, state of market, etc.).
So the takeaway here: Goals are good. They should be made. Make them short-term, realistic, and attainable.
Key (for soccer fans): WR – football catcher; QB – football thrower
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