Do quarterly goals excite you or fill you with dread? It probably depends on who set them and how much input you had. Either way, the goal is now on your to-do list for the weeks ahead and may even be linked to a financial reward.
What can you do to increase your chances of achieving these goals?
Have a shared understanding of success.
Before you begin working on your goal, ensure you and your manager (or whoever set the goal) have the same understanding of what you are working to achieve. Some goals can be measured easily, and this is a big help. However, many are subjective, and you might have different expectations from your manager about the result.
Taking the time upfront to discuss this and reach an understanding will save you many calls, emails, and hours of wasted effort.
Visualising what success looks like can be a powerful tool. Whether sketching a mock-up of the output or writing a future email to the stakeholders, these actions can significantly reduce ambiguity and prepare you for the work that needs to be done. This preparation will not only save you time but also boost your confidence in achieving the goal.
Double-check your plans
When planning the tasks, steps or activities required to achieve your goal, remember that you will be able to define the short-term ones more clearly. Don’t make the mistake of getting caught in “procrasti-planning”, which is the act of spending excessive time planning and not enough time doing. Map out the key milestones along the way and then plan your actions to achieve the first one or two milestones.
One common mistake when planning and allocating time for work is forgetting the prerequisites and follow-up actions necessary for the work to be successful.
For example, if you plan to run three times a week, you might block that time off in your calendar. But did you plan and allocate time for the prerequisites, like making sure you have the appropriate clothing ready to wear? Similarly, did you prepare for return travel, take a shower, and record your results after the run?
Planning the run itself isn’t enough. If you haven’t allowed for the supporting activities, it’s more likely that you’ll skip the run or not perform your best.
The same applies to work. Most activities require some degree of prep and follow-up. Plan for these, and you will be more likely to get the work done.
Related Reading: The Importance of Goal-Setting: The Key to Success in Work and Life
Prioritise your goals in your calendar
Working towards a specific goal requires dedicated time every day or week. But it can be easy to get pulled into “fire-fighting” or last-minute requests.
Goal time should be planned into your week as a priority. If you try to fit it in after meeting and your to-dos, you may never find the time. Choose 60-90 minutes blocks for as many days a week as needed to complete the work. Aim to have it during the time of day that you have the most energy.
Don’t just talk about progress; show it.
When it comes to achieving your work goals, it's not just about measuring progress. It's about actively showing others the progress. This not only helps manage expectations and improve the quality of your work but also keeps you accountable and engaged in the process. It's an effective way to ensure you're on the right track and not over-perfecting work that's already good enough to achieve the goal.
Download The Goal Ladder Workbook to create and achieve better goals.
The next time you review your goals, ask whether there is an agreed-upon definition of success. Consider the ancillary work needed to make it happen, and check your calendar to see if the goal is a priority for your time. Show your progress regularly and stay focused on the outcome.
By following these strategies, you can achieve your goals and experience the wonderful feeling of a “job well done”.
