We've all been there - setting our business goals only to be disappointed when we don't reach them. So how can you increase your chances of success? By answering two simple yet very important (and many times overlooked) questions. These two questions should form part of any business goal setting and planning.

You may have already heard that your goals need to be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound), but that is simply not enough.

SMART goals complete the logical side of the equation but what about the emotional side?  When you set goals, you are effectively selling yourself on the idea that you can achieve them. Similar to selling in business, if there is no emotion and only logic, you are missing half the puzzle and are destined to fail no matter how hard you try. 

Create the emotional connection

1.  Why do you want to achieve your business goals?

This is probably the most important part. The secret to how to get your goals is to know why you want them in the first place.  What is going to be the driving force that will make you: -

• Get up in the morning and power on through the day?
• Keep motivated when external circumstances act against you?  
• Try again whenever you fail?
• Keep your faith even when people tell you it can't be done?
• Stay positive and focused even amongst negativity and chaos?

Some questions to guide you to your main answer...

• What price will you pay (personally, professionally, financially, physically and emotionally) if you don't achieve your business goals? 
• What benefits will achieving your goals give you and your business?
• What benefits will they give others - your family, friends, customers, staff, colleagues and community?  For those of you who like helping people, this could be an even stronger motivator than just knowing the benefits to yourself.
• How will it make you feel once you attain your goals? 

2.  Who do you need to BE in order to achieve your goals?

Success carries with it certain characteristics, so sometimes we may have to learn new skills.  This is part of our growth as a human being.  When you commit to working harder on yourself than on your goals, a strange thing happens.  Suddenly you start to take the actions required, attract the resources you need, and all your procrastination, self-sabotage habits and excuses begin to disappear.

List all the characteristics you think you need to learn in order to reach your business goals.  Here are some suggestions...  

• Business minded, driven, persistent, organised, efficient, consistent, solution focused, resourceful or time managed.

• Communicative, understanding, adaptable, flexible, patient, courageous, resilient or strong.

• Reliable, responsible, accountable, disciplined, pro-active or open to constructive criticism.

The next step after you have answered the questions at 1. and 2. above, is to read your goals together with your answers everyday, with feeling.  You want them to sink into your mind and be so connected to them that they become part of you.

To keep your business exciting, profitable and growing, it is important to connect to your goals not only on the logical level but also on the emotional level.  Once you know clearly why you want your business goals and what sort of person you need to become in order to achieve those goals, you are well on your way to increasing your chances of success.  

All the best for your business.

Nicole Murray
Business Development Coach, Hot Chocolate Coaching 

P.S.  If you enjoyed this article and would like to automatically receive monthly business articles, hints & tips by email, click here Business Ezine - A Taste of Hot Chocolate 

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The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute, nor is it intended to constitute, professional advice. For advice specific to your business or life, you should always consult with the appropriate professional in order to determine the actions and laws that are applicable to your particular circumstances.