As the new year rapidly approaches, the time is ripe to think about your goals for 2012. Setting goals can feel overwhelming, but don’t let fear hold you back.  People with defined goals tend to make more progress than those who avoid verbalizing where they want to end up in 3 or 6 months.

Goals do not need to be lofty or world-changing.  They do need to be personal and specific, however.  Here are a few tips for getting started:

• Select Small, Short-Term Goals First.  Many people think goals need to be earth-shattering events.  While it is good to think big, it is important to consider the pathway to reaching the big stuff.  Break down large goals (i.e. bring in one new client in the first six months) into smaller goals (i.e. identify three targets and have lunch with them quarterly).  Dissecting large goals helps clearly define easy steps to accomplish them.

• Commit to Your Goals By Writing Them Down. The act of physically writing down your goals makes them real. Keep these written goals in a visible place and schedule reminders in your Outlook calendar. Audible and visual reminders will keep you on track to reaching the overall goals.  For example, one reminder may be:  ‘schedule lunch with Bill for next week.’  You get the idea… By scheduling these types of appointments within your calendar, you will easily see the path to achieving your mini-goals.

• Avoid the Minutia.  When planning your actionable steps to reach your goals, only do what will further your goals in a meaningful way.  Prioritize which marketing activities will give you the most result for your time investment.

• Get Feedback. Ask someone you trust to evaluate the goals.  Whether this person is a mentor, family member or marketing guru, a reality check is always important. Receiving honest feedback can be difficult for the giver and receiver, so remain calm and take their input for what it is.  Don’t get defensive if someone tells you that you are biting off more than you can chew (or vice versa).  It is always helpful to consider the perspective of the people around you.

Planning for success in 2012 is an important step in achieving it.  By planning a strategy to reach your goals, you will be more likely to accomplish them. Relying on your strengths while owning up to your weaknesses is essential to realizing the gap between what you want to do and what you can do.   Good luck!

Happy New Year!