From Goals to Action: How Entrepreneurs Can Crush Priorities Each Week

Alarm Clock

As an entrepreneur, achieving your goals requires a systematic approach to managing your time effectively. Look at your number one goal for the year, and then let’s create a way of hitting that goal. Your goal may be a certain revenue number, customers, or monthly users. Decide what metric you are tracking, and then let’s provide a basic framework to ensure you are scheduling the time needed to make the goal happen.

Here’s a practical strategy for scheduling your week and daily routines to make significant progress toward your top priorities:

Goal Breakdown:

Break down your long-term goals into smaller, actionable tasks. These tasks should be manageable units that contribute to your overall objective.

Weekly Planning:

Every week, dedicate some time to planning. On Monday, for example, list your top three to four priorities for the week. These priorities should align with your long-term goals and represent the most important tasks for that period.

Calendar Review:

Take a look at your calendar for the week. Identify any pre-existing commitments like meetings, family dinners, or social events. This step is crucial because it helps you allocate your available time wisely.

Task Allocation:

Once you have your priorities and commitments in mind, allocate specific tasks to each day of the week. Be realistic and avoid overloading any single day. This approach ensures you don’t get derailed by unexpected interruptions or unpredictability.

Task Variety:

Consider the nature of your goals and tasks. Some days may require deep work on a project, while others may involve content creation or social media scheduling. Tailor your daily schedule to match the specific needs of your current priorities.

Time Blocking:

Create time blocks for each activity. Time blocks are dedicated chunks of time to work on your tasks. Time blocking enhances focus and productivity by reducing distractions.

Adaptability:

Stay flexible within your time blocks. While sticking to your planned schedule as much as possible is essential, be prepared to adjust if urgent matters arise. The key is to ensure that your top priorities still receive attention.

Daily Reflection:

Reflect on your progress at the end of each day or the beginning of the next. Assess what you accomplished and what needs to carry over to the next day or week. This reflection helps you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

Consistency:

Consistency is vital to success. Stick to your schedule and refine your time management skills as you go along. Over time, you’ll become more adept at prioritizing and accomplishing your goals efficiently.

Celebrate Milestones:

Remember to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing your progress can boost motivation and keep you committed to your entrepreneurial journey.

In summary, achieving your entrepreneurial goals involves meticulous planning, effective time allocation, and adaptability to life’s curveballs. By breaking down your goals, scheduling tasks, and maintaining consistency, you can make significant strides toward realizing your aspirations.

Last Quarter of 2023 – Where Did the Summer Go?

Fall in Oscoda Michigan

The last quarter of 2023 has arrived, and I wonder where did the summer go; it has truly passed by in the blink of an eye, and it seems to go by even faster as I age.

I’ll admit I always assume I’ll have more time to pursue my interests. This past summer, I had grand plans of riding my bike several times a week, paddleboarding daily, taking leisurely walks, and capturing more photos.

However, to be perfectly honest, my bike remained untouched, the paddleboard collected dust since June, and even my camera stayed in hibernation. I always told myself, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Well, here we are in October, and tomorrow has yet to arrive.

These weren’t extravagant goals; they were simple, enjoyable activities I wanted to invest more time in. Yet, somehow, I allowed time to slip away without indulging in these pleasures.

Now, I find myself mourning the fact that summer has come to an end, and I didn’t seize these opportunities. I must acknowledge that my perception of a long summer hindered me from pursuing what I truly desired.

Reflecting on the past to plan for the future, I realize I need to approach life less as distinct quarters and more as a weekly or daily journey. Goals are not something to be worked on tomorrow. They need to be part of the daily calendar to prioritize fun, creativity, business growth, or other goals.

So, in this final quarter of 2023, here’s to creating a daily list of tasks that will lead me toward my goals, with fun as an integral part of that journey!

Now, I pose the same question to you: What remains on your 2023 goal list that you still need to achieve? And how do you plan to make it a reality? (This question is as much for you as it is for me.)

Mid-Year Review

Computer, notebook, flowers, coffee mug

When I worked for a company, we did a mid-year review and a final review each year. The mid-year was done with your boss to make sure you were on track to meet standards for the year. In essence, so there would be no surprises as your final review.

It was the final review where what you accomplished was compared to the goals set by myself and my boss at the beginning of the year. Was everything accomplished? Did you go above and beyond what was expected? Did you not meet standards in an area? If so, there were systems put in place to help you meet standards the following year. 

Because a review at mid-year was completed, the one at year-end wasn’t supposed to have surprises.  It often did. When I stopped working for a company, I was grateful to never have to go through this process again. And I am certain my boss was just as glad to never have to give me another review.

The thing with the review process is it keeps you on track.

Continue reading “Mid-Year Review”

My Three Words – My Guide for 2020

Morning Coffee and planning my words

I learned about choosing three words to guide my year a few years ago from Chris Brogan.  Chris has an annual process where he chooses three words to anchor his year.  These three words are meant to drive your year forward.  They are the beacon on which you decide yes I will do something or no I will not do it this year.

The first two words I can up with pretty quickly.  I knew with my year and working to get a new business up and running that these two words would help me choose what I needed to do each day. Continue reading “My Three Words – My Guide for 2020”

Inspiration

My Inspiration

In an Instagram, social media filled world, it isn’t hard to see the life you want to live displayed on someone else’s feed.  But what does it really mean to be living an inspiring life? Does it really fill you with inspiration?

Does looking through your friend’s feeds inspire you?  Does it make you filled with joy watching them grow and have amazing experiences?  Or does it in some way diminish your life?

Continue reading “Inspiration”