How do you stay on track with your business goals when something unexpected happens?
Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or running a home business, one thing you can count on is that something unexpected will arise at some point that interferes with your best-laid plans.
It’s easy to be motivated when setting long-term goals and making to-do lists, but it’s harder to stay committed when things don’t get crossed off the list or when you don’t meet a short-term goal.
So how do you stay committed to your business goals when it is so much easier to quit and say “Life got in the way”? Here are a few tips to help, along with some encouraging quotes:
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Make sure the results of your goals are bigger than you
If reaching your goals helps someone else at the same time, you will probably work harder to stay committed no matter what problems come up.
“When I dig another out of trouble, the hole from which I lift him is the place where I bury my own.” ~Chinese proverb
“The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have.” ~Norman Vincent Peale
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” ~Booker T. Washington
2. Don’t compare yourself to someone else on the same path
You never really know someone else’s whole story or how long it took them to get where they are, so comparing yourself to them is wasted energy.
Try to be better than your personal best.
“One of the marks of excellent people is that they never compare themselves with others. They only compare themselves with themselves and with their past accomplishments and future potential.” Brian Tracy
“I always wanted to be the best I could be at whatever I did. I didn’t want to be the number one golfer in the world. I just wanted to be as good as I could be.” Greg Norman
3. Keep track of your accomplishments
I’ve always liked the idea of a “Done” list in addition to my To-Do list.
It’s a big confidence booster especially when the unexpected happens and you feel like you have nothing to show for your day.
Purposely acknowledging that you did in fact get some things done can increase your motivation to keep working toward your long-term goals.
Staying committed to your business goals is not easy when the unexpected happens, but don’t quit!
Do your best at staying on track, but realize that stumbling blocks provide some of the best learning experiences.
“It’s easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you’re a winner, when you’re number one. What you’ve got to have is faith and discipline when you’re not yet a winner.” Vince Lombardi
Have any favorite motivational quotes that keep you going? Send me a favorite on Twitter or Facebook so I can share 🙂
Do you have questions about setting goals for your business or social media strategy? I offer an initial, free consultation to learn more about your business and then give you some tips for optimizing your digital marketing.
Contact me to set up a time here.