---

Guest post by: Michael Beck Become an Author

Tweet

---

---

This is the time of year when insurance professionals are focused on finishing the year strong and reaching all those goals their company has set for them. It’s also the time we begin to think about next year. We think about what goals we’d like to attain, how we’re going to do things differently in the upcoming year, and the mistakes we hope to avoid.

As a coach, I’m always in favor of people setting goals and developing a game plan to reach them. We stand a much greater chance of reaching a goal when it’s properly developed and it’s written down. A properly written goal is a S.M.A.R.T. goal. In other words, it’s Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Rewarding, and Time-specific. Additionally it should be stated in positive terms. As an example, don’t create a goal such as: “I won’t be disorganized in the coming year” but rather one stated: “I will organize my time better this year.” If we examine this goal, keeping the SMART concepts in mind, we’d ask: Is it Specific? (No) Is it Measurable? (No) Is it Attainable? (Yes) Is it Rewarding? (Maybe) Is it Time-specific? (No) A better version of “I will organize my time better this year.” would be: “I will develop a system for scheduling my day by January 15th.” Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Time-specific. Whether this goal is Rewarding depends on what benefit you’ll receive by being more efficient.

Let’s take the goal-setting process one step further by refining a production goal. Often I’ll have clients tell me they have a goal of reaching a certain income level in the coming year. We’ll use $100,000 as our example. If the goal is stated as, “I earn $100,000 this year.”, it qualifies as a SMART goal. The problem is that while it may be a SMART goal, it isn’t a useful one! It is a necessary goal (stating an income target) but it isn’t sufficient to help you get there. While setting a goal of reaching $100,000 (or $200,000 or $500,000) is important, not setting activity goals that support the attainment of your goal is like planning to climb Mt. Everest without planning all the steps along the way! A key, therefore, in attaining a big goal is to set goals for the steps that will bring you there. For instance, if you know your conversion ratios you can set the appropriate activity levels which will allow you to reach your bigger goal.

Clearly not everything stands in your way towards success. By identifying the one or two issues which are obstacles, you begin the process of eliminating or reducing the bottlenecks and impediments to your progress. Rise above the average. Don’t strive for mediocrity. Strive to be the best you.

Related Articles

  Reaching Your Goals
  For Business Success Be Sure That You Set Realistic and Achievable Goals
  5-Step Goal Setting Guide
  One Bite at a Time
  Life Happens Through Small Steps
  Copy successful people
  How to Set Goals
  Sometimes its one slice at a time …
  Things to Accomplish in Finding Your Passion
  Are You Reaching Your Goals In Life?
  SMART Business Goals
  The Secret to a Home Based Internet Business and Making it Work For You! ~CASH MAGNET EXPOSED
  To Be Successful, Stop Buying Your Own Excuses
  Goals Lead to Success
  Home Business Expert: How To Set Your Goal – Short, Mid And Long
  Most successful people set goals. How about you?
  Starting A New SEO Business (Part 1) - Begin with Setting Your Goals
  How To Make Money Fasts At Home! ~STEPS TO GUARANTEED WEALTH
  Renewing Resolutions
  Goal Setting

Related Forum Posts

Re: Drop out Billionaire
Re: What are your January Goals?
Re: Random Acts of Kindness - Pass it on!
Re: Ryerson Angel Network Expands its Reach to Help Young Ent...
Re: Bnefits of Email marketing

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Member Question Regarding Ariba Experience

PR: Take It In Your Own Hands Or Hand It Over?

Using Compliments To Make People Feel Good

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.