How many people do you know who have written objectives for their business? In fact, let’s change the question. Do you know anyone who is successful in business that does not have clear and specific written targets and objectives?

Most people will be able to tell you their targets are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant Time Bound) cascaded through the organization from the CEO.

Perhaps it’s done through the OGSM structure (objectives, goals, strategies metrics) or using the plethora of ‘corporate’ or ‘consultant’ speak methodologies and means to both create and implement business plans.

Starting off your business year without a budget to hit or exceed, bonus targets and a detailed plan of action how you intend to achieve those objectives would be complete madness, yes? You would never run your business like that would you?

Next question? How many people do you know that have clear written personal goals and targets about their career, their relationships, their finances, their health, their personal growth or development or the possessions or experiences that they want in their life?

Of course this does not apply to you, but you probably know a lot of people who have no plan whatsoever or if they do it’s some quite general targets, which are probably neither inspiring nor compelling.

Although it seems crazy, whereas we are slaves to the targets and plans of our businesses, we fail to apply the same lessons of success to our personal lives, leaving our future to chance, trusting that everything will work out OK.

And if you want an OK life, don’t make the connection between these two scenarios. If, on the other hand you want (and I am sure you deserve) an extraordinary life it is simply not going to happen by accident, just like your business is not going to be successful by accident.

Get clear about what you want in your life in the same way that you are clear about your business targets, otherwise, life will take it where it wants you to go instead of the other way around. Create a compelling vision of what you want in every aspect of your life then write it down – using the same techniques you’ve learned from your annual planning process at work.

Simply the act of writing down your objectives, goals and vision for the type of life you want will start a process that’s the same as you use successfully every year in your business. Having a clear and compelling vision of what you want personally is just the same as having clear targets and objectives in your business. You’ll experience a psychological and emotional shift because everything you do will be focused on reaching those targets.

Once you treat your own life and targets with the same respect and care as your commitment to your work it will transform your life.

I look forward to your comments and input.

Regards,


Richard Kohn
The Global Brand Project
Written exclusively for http://www.consumergoodsclub.com