Plan your goals and stay on track even if you don’t have much time or money
When starting out in business we can experience a wide range of emotions such as excitement, fear, passion, nervousness, desire, overwhelm, enthusiasm, and panic to name a few. Whether your entrepreneurial journey began deliberately or accidentally, it can be lonely and demotivating on times.
Growing a business is a persistent challenge regardless of the business size, industry, or sector. Maintaining focus when being pulled in so many different directions is tiresome with little or no time to work ON the business
All of this can have a detrimental effect on both you and the business
Support and help are available in many forms. Here we will look at the benefits of working with an accountability coach and how this can help you and your business
1. Ascertain goals
Rarely do I meet a business owner without some form of goal or plan. Even if it is an unwritten, vague idea in their own head, everyone has something they are working on or towards
Business goals can be short, mid, or long term. They are usually a combination of all three. Big goals broken down into stages produce short-term goals or daily actions that move us closer to the desired result
Business goals can also move us closer to personal goals such as time freedom to pursue personal interests, bucket list stuff, or whatever it is that gives you time, peace, and space to be and do you
A coach can work with you to ascertain and define your goals
2. Develop a plan
When we’re clear on our goals, we can develop a plan to work towards them. Establishing the basic steps to be undertaken daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually or at whatever frequency means that even small actions can move us closer to the outcome
Developing a strategy or plan that is aligned to your values and considers your priorities means that you are more capable of sticking to it. Your goals may be similar other people’s goals, but your plan to achieve them is unique to you and your way of working
A coach can work with you to develop your goal plan
3. Stick to the plan
This can often be the hardest part for some and where the accountability but comes in
Lots of visions, plans, stagnant lists, apps, and unfinished notebooks can be overwhelming and getting lost in the planning fog creates confusion and wastes time
Sticking to the plan requires motivation, discipline, and focus. Even for the most focused, self-motivated, highly disciplined individuals, this isn’t always easy. If you work alone or aren’t surrounded by like-minded people, things can get tough
Having a safe space, group, or selection of people to go to explore ideas and thoughts can be hugely beneficial and keep us moving in the required direction
If you are moving away from your original plan, or the goals have changed, it’s ok, but it is important to be aware when this is happening and why
A coach can hold you accountable to your plans
4. Identify issues
No one has all the answers or knows what the future holds but that doesn’t mean we can’t take ownership of what is within our control and work on what we want
When we’re not sticking to the plan that we have designed to reach our own goals, we need to examine why. Rearranging task lists, moving tasks to the next day/week/month repeatedly, or starting new plans and pursuing new goals suggests the goals and plans maybe aren’t what you want after all
Taking ownership and action can make all the difference. Having a good moan might be necessary to get some of the real issues out in the open. Facing fears, understanding why you’re procrastinating or chasing perfectionism is necessary to get down to the detail. Blame, finger pointing, and excuses prevent us moving forward
A coach can be your sounding board when things aren’t going to plan
5. Distraction management
Distractions can move us away from the things we want
There are so many distractions these days it doesn’t take much to pull us out of our lane. Some distractions can be good for us. Time out is as important as all the business stuff. Working all the time leads to burnout and we need time away from work to do the fun stuff. We’re not working for nothing
When we start introducing new systems, processes, goals, and objectives to an already agreed plan we can lose sight of what we are working toward and dilute the process, which can lead to more work
Introducing new things is ok, if there is a more productive or constructive way then it is worthwhile exploring but keep the end goals in mind and be aware when you are drifting away from what you want to achieve
A coach can provide the accountability when constructively challenging potential distractions
6. Methods of working
Preparing for dedicated planning time can be both exciting and motivating.
Many people experience a renewed enthusiasm when they see the white boards, to do lists, apps, sticky note pads, and highlighter pens; suitably prepared with their carefully selected brand new, expensive notebooks from the high-end notebook aisle of the expensive notebook store.
It might involve spending the whole day at home, in the office, or a nice location somewhere; maybe alone or at another pre-paid, signed-up-for planning day with like-minded people being fed amazing food. Writing goals and the plans to achieve them really does give us that warm feeling of satisfaction. Reams of colourful notes and drawing plans give comfort. You leave with the best intentions.
Then nothing
Goal planning will involve doing some of things we don’t really like doing but the result must be something you truly want and are therefore willing to work towards. Part of that planning involves how you will maintain momentum between sessions
A coach will agree a method of working with you, for example one-to-one or a group session, and a communication policy to ensure you are sticking to the schedule you set for yourself and maintain momentum between sessions. Finding the best way to work for you is paramount
7. Self-care
Accountability is defined as
: the quality or state of being accountable especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions[1]
Being accountable for and to ourselves is a significant act of kindness to ourselves. Taking responsibility for ourselves, our hopes, goals, and desires is also kind to those who mean the most to us and is the first step of accountability
Prioritising ourselves and our self-care is not selfish. We cannot be all things to all people. Being accountable means understanding what our priorities are, plan how we intend to meet them, and scheduling them accordingly in a way that is beneficial to us and those we care about
Protecting your time, space, and mindset allows you to constructively think your own thoughts, develop your plans, and go to work on them. This will be hard to achieve if you are on the path to burnout
A coach can work with you to set boundaries and include self-care as part of your plan
Final thoughts
Coaching can help to ascertain your true goals, help develop a plan, and help you stay on track and move towards the business you want
Planning and working on your vision are continuous efforts required by you. Be honest about what you really want, or you risk developing goals and plans that mean little or nothing to you and are less likely to want to work towards them
Distraction management is self-management. Life will get in the way. A coach is there to listen to you, support you, or act as a sounding board. Accountability coaches do not give you the answers or tell you what to do. You are the expert in your business and your own life
Honesty and discipline are required. We may not always be faced with the choices we want, but most of us can envision the business and the life we want to have in the future. If you are struggling to stick with your goals and plans it is important to be honest about it. You don’t have to aim for the same goals as everyone else. Your goals and plans are unique to you and a coach will respect this. Agree a plan that is about you and works for you
If you would like to book a one-to-one success session and discuss your plans and accountability, get in touch today
[1] “accountability,” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability. Accessed 10/4/2022.
Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash