Hello everyone-
It's almost May! It's really amazing how time seems to be speeding up. Have you noticed that?
This newsletter is published bi-monthly with one featured article. This month's article is on goal setting. I hope it is of benefit to you.
Come join me on Saturday, May 2nd. I will be speaking at 3:30 pm the Holistic Fair at Unity Church on "The Inner Game of Making Money" (What do you really believe?) Abundant Blessings,
Valerie
FEATURED ARTICLE "The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or even seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them. " Dennis Waitley (American Author and Motivational Speaker) THE NUTS & BOLTS OF GOAL SETTING Settings goals may not be sexy yet they are measuring sticks of your progress and ultimate success. Okay, you may be groaning and thinking the need to set goals are so obvious why devout an entire newsletter to it? You'd be amazed to know how many solo entrepreneurs fail to set goals. They say they are too busy or have numerous other excuses; they want to be spontaneous, etc. What happens? Often nothing; meaning their business fails to grow and thrive. They are in survival mode, mostly just trying to stay afloat. This takes a tremendous amount of energy and can produce unnecessary chronic anxiety. Lack of planning and setting goals, even for the week, let alone for the long haul, can be devastating. (Most are aware of the dismally high statistics on business failures with the first 2 years). Without a vision for your business, it is often understandable to see why so many solo entrepreneurs become discouraged and overwhelmed. Hopefully you're not one of them. However, if you have resisted making goals in the past, take heart and know you are not alone. You can begin to make powerful changes in the way you do business starting now. Goals help you stay focused and accountable Often clients will hire me to have an accountability partner as they need someone to support them to stay on track. We talk about getting from point A to point B. We talk about specific actions they can take, once they are ready; then goal setting can become fun, energizing and creative. Your goals become a road map to see where you've been and how far you've traveled. When you are unsure of what you need to do next, well defined goals will get you back on track. What are S.M.A.R.T. goals? Some of you may be familiar with S.M.A.R.T. goals. When goals are too abstract, too lofty and not manageable they become just another thing you say you are going to do and either don't get around to because you don't have a clear understanding of what is needed or you start and stop before any lasting change has occurred. Here are the elements of SMART goals: They are Specific-sets out clearly what you will accomplish
Measurable-Easy to determine if you have met your goals
Attainable-make this something you know you can accomplish or you are liable to become frustrated with "too lofty" of goals- Pick goals that will impact your success. You want to set yourself up for success by picking goals that you can accomplish in the time-frame you set.
Risk(element of)-you are stretching yourself and growing in order to accomplish them-if they are a "cakewalk" you will not be risking much and may be bored & unmotivated. We are born to grow, challenge ourselves and be the best we can be...usually there is an element of risk involved (a wise person once said, "If you palms are not sweating a bit then you're not challenged enough")
Time limited- gives you a time-line to meet...all of us have procrastinated from time to time-setting a date for completion is generally necessary to keep us on track and motivated. Example: I will have drafts of the first two chapters of my book complete by June 15, 2009 (This meets the smart goals challenge assuming there is still some stretching required to complete this goal) Contrast with: I will write my book sometime in the next 5 years. Nothing is etched in stone hereGoals they are always subject to revision...life happens and we can get off track...goals are not meant to "beat you up" if you don't meet them...you can revise and re-negotiate for more time and may find yourself doing this frequently. You may also need to break larger goals/projects into smaller tasks, giving each task a target date for completion as well. As your business grows you may also find that some past goals are no longer needed and you come up with different ones as your direction changes. Now that you have some specifics about setting your goals why not give goal setting a try? If you routinely set goals, way to go! You may want to look at them and see if they pass the S.M.A.R.T. test. Have fun with your goals, be creative and know that you can accomplish all that you choose to.
For a complimentary copy of a goals template to assist you in goal setting email me at info@inspiredlivingforyou.com |
| "NOW is the Best Time to Welcome your Heart's Desire" (author anonymous) |
Upcoming offerings: The improved & expanded Client Attraction Group Coaching program starts May 5th, 2009. After listening to past participants who wanted more "in group" time and less "homework" this program has been expanded to 8 weeks allowing for more time to explore the 4-step process to attract more clients to your business. Click here to learn more and read what past participants have to say.
Next MasterMind group begins Wednesday, May 6th Be a part of a powerful accountability group as you grow your business and create more prosperity. What is masterminding anyway? Learn more CLICK HERE | May 2, 2009
Come visit my booth at the Mind, Body, Spirit Fair at Unity Church from 10-4:30 (29th & Bernard on the South Hill)
There will be 34 booths with readers, healers, artists, coaches and much more. There will also be nine 30-minute speaking presentations on a number of subjects relating to health/healing. The featured speakers will be Deidre Ashmore, minister of the Unity Church in Coeur d' Alene and Govinda, a well known local astrologer.
The fair and the presentations are free to the public. | Share this email!
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| Valerie Lipstein is a Certified Life Coach supporting solo entrepreneurs to grow their business with integrity and attract their ideal clients. She offers individual coaching, group coaching programs, quarterly workshops and MasterMind groups.
For more information call (509) 466-0377 |
Are you a women solo business owner looking for a suportive networking group? If so, Empowering Business Women Networking Group may be for you. Contact Susanna at (509) 368-0088 or Valerie at (509) 466-0377 |
