How I Prioritize My Goals
In life and business, prioritizing goals really helps me when I'm feeling lost and overwhelmed with so many things that need to get done. I'll give you an example: after having my daughter 4 months ago, I thought I would be further along in plans I had made while I was pregnant. I thought I would take on tons of projects and release new products. Basically, I thought I could do it all. My entire career, I would always just think then do. There was no pausing, and projects were just leaving me busting at the seams because I just DID IT ALL. Last year- I don't know if it was the pandemic, burn out or both- but I just felt could not keep up, and honestly didn't want to anymore. I've found eliminating the clutter and noise and seriously prioritizing my goals for both my life and my business have made me a more well rounded and happier person (Ok, maybe easier said than done, but by just simply starting with a list we can get you feeling more clear-headed).
It might sound almost too simple to be effective, but just the act of getting a notebook for your thoughts is a great start. I like to keep different lists for each part of my life- I never mix personal and business. So, one notebook for home goals and one for business. I start by writing down my goals- (one example for me was to create a social media guide that is now ready to launch! Sign up for the newsletter here for first dibs!) or what I want to get done for the day then I work backwards and figure out what needs to happen first to keep the wheels in motion. I use this for bigger goals, too! Do you want to have your own product line one day? Or work two days a week? Those dreams can become a reality but how do we get there? We need to work BACKWARDS.
Break apart your goals and tasks and decide what is priority. I always like to ask myself first- how do I need to get those bills paid? Then work on the fancy, fun goals and dreams after. If you are in the midst of a business shift, however- it may be frustrating to focus on the bills being paid when you want to switch gears and do something different. So to this i say...have a plan. Use this same method of writing down what needs to be done, and organize by order of importance. Start chipping away at your goal until its broken into tiny little pieces, and is something you can hold onto and follow through with! There is nothing more stressful than thinking about an overwhelming goal and feeling like its totally out of reach. But there is nothing more satisfying than finally reaching that goal.
It's also important to be realistic about your goals and how quickly you can cross them off your list. The amount of time and energy you can put in will equal what you get out. I like to use the S.M.A.R.T. method for goal-setting, making sure my goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Is your goal realistic? Is it truly important for you or your business? How will you know when your goal is reached, is it measurable? This is a great way to think through your goals, keep yourself accountable, and set realistic standards for yourself.
Lastly, be kind to yourself. If you work for someone else, are starting your own business, or want to set personal goals for your family- start small and write them all down. Theres nothing better than crossing things off your list no matter how big or small they are.
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