Goal setting for small business owners and multi-passionates
How to set goals that feel natural and aligned.
Goal setting is something I find great joy in. Whilst I do love creating goals for myself, I like them to feel natural and non-pressured. I’m sharing the strategies that I use when setting goals. There’s also a chance here to reflect on goals for making money and wider enrichment goals - don’t be afraid to hold both in equal regard. Here’s some ideas to try then:
Skills inventory:
Grab a sheet of paper and write down every skill you can think of, that you have. Everything counts! Feel free to categorise your skills into groups and then colour code them (one for my fellow stationary fiends)!
Align your skills with your life:
Now it's time to work out how these skills align with the way you are currently living your life. Do any of them provide you with new ideas? If they do, add them to a new list!
Prioritise rest and sleep:
You need both these things to help you stay creative, generate new ideas and reach your goals.
Embrace nature for inspiration:
Get out in nature. A good chunk of my new ideas come when I am outside. Taking a notebook isn't always possible but I have the Otter app on my phone which allows me to record those ideas. I would be lost without it!
Create SMART goals:
Use your new skills list to create some goals. I prefer to use the SMART goals system but there are of course other ways.
Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Determine how you will measure your progress.
Aligned: Ensure your goals align with your skills and life.
Realistic: Set achievable goals that challenge you without overwhelming.
Time-specific: Establish deadlines for your goals.
Goal-setting frequency:
Now, how often do you set your goals? This is how I do mine:
Quarterly:
My planning is dictated by (school) terms as opposed to "quarters" (which is a more familiar business model) - I set big goals for every term, leaving as much freedom as possible in July and August. I map out all the big school dates for me, then for my kids and my husband. Then I write down all the things I'd LOVE to do. Then I set myself some deadlines to do them.Seasonally:
I like to do seasonal vision boards. I light a candle, normally have Radio 4 playing quietly in the background and snip my way through magazines and journals until I find a way my life might look for the next three months.Monthly:
I do what I do quarterly but looking more closely at income. I love looking at this with a spreadsheet (I actually check my money daily and update my spreadsheet weekly).
Goal setting doesn't have to be tied to a specific time of the year. By aligning your skills with your life and adopting a natural approach, you can set meaningful goals that resonate with you year-round. Find a rhythm that works for you and supports your business aspirations. Happy goal setting!
Join me in the comments and tell me all about your goals. I’d love to help in any way I can!
With love,
Laura x
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