Our vision, our dreams and our long-term plans and ideas are the big milestones in both our business and our lives, but how do we achieve them?
Setting smaller, specific goals, also known as stepping stones, enables you to measure your progress. You can visualise what you need to do without becoming distracted and going off course. Today we’re going to look at a vital concept – using these stepping stones to achieve bigger milestones.
A clearly defined journey
Think about how a young child learns to develop vocabulary and communicate effectively. Those initial meaningless babbles soon turn into words, sentences, and then recognisable speech. It’s a process of taking one step at a time and building on what’s been achieved. They’re the stepping stones towards the end goal.
What are your stepping stones?
To discover your small stepping stones you have to understand your goal. Your stepping stones are the small things which enable you to get there.
Think about your 12 month goals. Where do you want to be in a year’s time? Then consider how you’re going to achieve it. Think about the time and resources you have. How many hours will you need to work? How many team members will you have? As you become busier in your organisation will you need to recruit more team members? Do you have an effective plan in place for doing this?
Personal stepping stones
Your personal stepping stones can also be included in your business ones. After all, your business is your driver, getting you to where you want to be and delivering all you want. And this is a great way to connect your business and personal life.
Here you need to think about what you would like to achieve next year. A new home, going on holiday, time off work etc. What are the small milestones that will allow you to reach your dreams? What’s currently standing between you and your dreams? We encourage you to take time to sit down, define your milestones and the steps you’ll take to reach them, and then tick them off as you go.
The next 12 months
Earlier we mentioned thinking about the next 12 months; where you’d ideally like to be and the steps to get there.
It’s important to realise that while you may not achieve everything you wish – outside influences can get in your way – you’re certainly not a failure. Be proactive and think about it from the perspective of being well on the way to getting there. Your stepping stones are in place and you’re progressing along the journey.
We’d love to help you understand your own personal stepping stones to achieving those milestones. Get in touch or call us on 02392 454 111 if you need any help, advice or support.
