Category: Business Tips

It seems like goals is a buzzword in business these days. We hear about solopreneurs achieving lofty aspirations and turning their side hustle into a corporation almost overnight. We read about the best tactics for corporate goal setting and how to implement change, and we’re constantly focusing on how to beat our stats, implement metrics and strategies, and set and crush goals that were once thought of to be impossible.

But with all the good that goal setting does, it also can cause a dangerous distraction. You might be shaking your ahead in agreement – the SMART goals, seminars, ways to make $1M overnight, and other tactics can often create a roadblock for our success rather than propellling us forward. Why?

Well, sometimes the big, fancy finish distracts us from focusing on what it will take to get there. But you’ve gotten it broken down into a million steps and everything is planned, right? Although SMART goals and planning are effective sometimes it really does obscure the path because despite it all we’re focusing on the end result rather than on being the type of person that can actually make the end result happen (and last).

We’re not saying that you won’t get there with goal planning – but it might go a lot faster if you look at the obstacles that are blocking your path and solve those, rather than try to create your own personal roadmap to success.

Here are a few things to think about when it comes to finding and overcoming the obstacles that might stand in your way:

• do you have the skills needed to accomplish the goal you have in mind? If your plan is to have an astronomically large net worth, but you currently don’t have one, odds are that you might be lacking a few financial skills needed to obtain your wealth. Start listing the skills you think you need and then check them off your list when you’ve got them. Those that you don’t have – make them a priority.
• prioritize the obstacles – we talk about strategy in business so apply that to the obstacles you’re bound to encounter and you’ll find that you’ll be crossing the goal finish line sooner than you might think. It’s not enough just to have a to do list with things you need to become or learn, figure out the best way to get it done and what to tackle first. Prioritizing allows you to blaze a clear trail and you might find you can even kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
• keep the end goal vague so you can focus on the here and now –we’ve heard plenty of big goal setters say that knowing the details is what drives you to accomplish that big goal. Things change, flexibility is key, and it might not even be possible to do something exactly to plan. Our recommendation? Keep the end goal vague and instead focus on the details that are happening right now that will propel you to that end goal. When we say vague, we still want you to know where you’re headed just don’t start picking out your big expensive sports car and figuring out how you’ll rule the world just yet.

What are you big goals? Or maybe your obstacles? We love talking business and big dreams… tell us in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why can goal setting sometimes be a distraction?

Goal setting can be a distraction because focusing too much on the end result can obscure the path to achieving it. It might cause you to overlook the necessary steps and skills required, leading to frustration and stagnation.

How can I identify the obstacles blocking my path to success?

Start by listing the skills and resources you need to achieve your goals. Identify which ones you lack and make acquiring them a priority. By breaking down the process, you can tackle obstacles systematically and more effectively.

What is the benefit of keeping the end goal vague?

Answer: Keeping the end goal vague allows you to remain flexible and adaptable to changes. It helps you focus on the present actions and decisions that will propel you toward success, rather than getting fixated on a rigid, detailed plan that might not be feasible.

How should I prioritize the obstacles I encounter?

Answer: Prioritize obstacles by assessing their impact on your progress. Focus on the most significant barriers first and create a strategic plan to overcome them. This approach ensures efficient use of your time and resources, helping you progress faster.

Why is it important to manage expectations when setting goals?

Answer: Managing expectations prevents undue stress and pressure, especially when goals are unrealistic or overly ambitious. Setting manageable and attainable goals allows for consistent growth and helps maintain motivation by celebrating incremental achievements.

It’s all too easy to let our day jobs rule our lives. With technology at our fingertips we can constantly be in contact – checking emails, answering texts, and fielding phone calls. Our work schedules quickly feel up with business meetings, and collaborating with teams on projects, new product launches and much, much more. As small business owners, we’re guardians of our time and our success and the two are definitely linked. Today we’re sharing our top tips for keeping organized when it comes to your business calendar.

Make an Optional Calendar

Life is busy. We say no to lots of things… even good things that might help us take our personal and professional lives to the next level. The reason? Time. But if you’re like us, you’ve had the occasional afternoon open up and you’re left coming up with what to do or worse, wishing you could remember the dozens of tasks that you’ve been meaning to get done.

You’ve probably seen on your own digital calendar that you can set up multiple calendars and have them appear at a click of a button a master calendar. Events are color coded and it’s not only pretty to look at but effective. That said, it can still cause a lot of stress and an over-programmed life. When you say no to an event or project that you’d like to say yes to, slip it onto a “Optional Calendar” that way you’ve got the information at hand when your afternoon seems to open up and you’ve got free time you didn’t know you had. And you can shut down the regret of having to say no by simply turning the view option on that calendar off.  With an Optional Calendar, you can spend the time doing more rather than figuring out what to do with your free time.

Work in Blocks of Time

You’ve heard of batching tasks and we’ve even talked about automating processes, but there’s something to be said for blocking off chunks of time so you can hunker down and get things done. You’ve probably heard of many an entrepreneur or CEO that hits the office early so that they get a jump on the day – they’ve scheduled blocks of time for answering emails or brainstorming projects – often those things that aren’t easy to accomplish amidst a dozen interruptions.

Take a look at your schedule. Can you move your meetings all to the afternoon so you’ve got time in your office to take care of daily tasks? Maybe it’s best to schedule out reading and answering emails before 10 AM. No matter what you do, look for tasks that you do often or that require similar circumstances (like peace and quiet to return phone calls, etc.) and then group like tasks together.

Prep for Tomorrow

Half the battle of a successful day is being ready for what it holds. Some of the most successful small business owners we know make it a habit to spend the last few minutes of the day getting ready for the next. So what is it that they do?

Some review their schedule for the next day? Others write the last few emails and hit send, others clear off their desk, close out of tabs in their internet browser, and scribble down a short list of to do’s so they can hit the ground running. The best way to figure out what to do to prepare for the next day is to take note of what things you’re doing first thing in the morning – then add those tasks to your end of day and you’ll start the next day ahead.

Prioritize Tasks & Do What You Can, Now

The almighty to do list can get awfully long, so make sure you prioritize it once you’ve created it. Most efficiency experts say that planning to accomplish 3 major tasks each day is  a definite win. But what about all the little things you put on your list – where do those fit in? Instead of pushing them into tomorrow’s schedule stop and do them now.

Don’t wait to respond to that employee that needs an answer tomorrow – craft a short response and send it now. Once you prioritize your tasks you’ll be able to see which items need more thought and which ones can easily be accomplished or eliminated completely.

So what are some of the ways you stay organized in your business calendar and life? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

FAQs: Staying Organized on Your Business Calendar

1. What is an optional calendar, and how can it help me stay organized?

An optional calendar is a secondary calendar where you can add events or tasks you would like to do but are not essential. This helps you avoid over-scheduling and provides a list of productive activities when you find unexpected free time.

2. How can blocking time improve my productivity?

Blocking time involves scheduling dedicated chunks of time for specific tasks. This minimizes interruptions, helps maintain focus, and allows you to complete similar tasks more efficiently, improving overall productivity.

3. What are some tips for preparing for the next day?

Spend the last few minutes of your day reviewing the next day’s schedule, sending any final emails, clearing your desk, and making a to-do list. This preparation ensures you start the next day with a clear plan and focus.

4. How should I prioritize tasks on my to-do list?

Focus on accomplishing three major tasks each day. Prioritize by importance and urgency, and try to handle quick tasks immediately to keep your list manageable and prevent procrastination.

5. Why is it important to respond to small tasks immediately?

Addressing small tasks immediately prevents them from piling up and becoming overwhelming. It also ensures timely communication and keeps your workflow smooth and efficient.