Director's Message
Erin Henning Director Supply Chain Services
Steps to Success: Setting Goals for 2023
Year after year, we try and set goals and resolutions for ourselves and our businesses, but are we really setting ourselves up for success or disillusion? Goal-setting in your business or personal life isn’t necessarily the issue. The problem is the types of goals we set and the unrealistic standards to which we hold ourselves. For example, trying to grow your business too fast by trying to triple profits in one year; or on the personal side, trying to lose 50 pounds in two months, giving up all carbs forever or working out every single day. It’s no wonder why so many people give up on their goals by mid-January. Aside from being unrealistic and extreme, some of these goals may end up doing more harm than good. The most dedicated people I know would struggle with these extreme goals. This year, rather than give up early or get discouraged, let’s set objectives that are attainable and sustainable.
Reaching our goals means taking one step at a time. To keep these manageable, start with incremental objectives. Once you reach these, then you can set another. There is no rule that January 1st is the only day to set goals for the year.
Here are simple ones to get you started:
Budget and planning
Budgeting is a critical part of your business and personal life. A budget plan ensures that you can meet your fiscal responsibilities and fund your current commitments and future objectives. You have to be aware that creating a budget and a plan is not a one-time exercise, but rather an ongoing process. Your business expenditures and revenues change from month to month. Rather than waiting until later, conduct periodic reviews of your finances to see where you are compared to your forecast; that way, you can tweak your business approach as needed so that your business is financially secure and successful.
Update Your Strategic Plan
Long-term strategic success is driven by continued focus on your strategy and your team driving towards your vision on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. First, decide what has been working for you and carry that forward into this new year. Then review what is no longer needed. This can be resources for goals already achieved, goals that are no longer relevant to your industry or simply efforts that are not cost-effective. Doing so can streamline your operations and your budget, and give you a fresh outlook on the new year.
On the personal side:
Change Your Eating Habits Incrementally Not every meal has to be healthy, but a smaller more manageable goal is to try to eat one healthy meal a week. You can even institute a healthy lunch outing or catering for your staff. Trying new and healthy meals can open the door to new foods you may have never tried before. This means more nutrients, and who knows, maybe even some new favorite dishes. Your staff will be healthier, more alert, and then can avoid those food comas after lunch.
Practice gratitude We’ve all been through some tough times economically, emotionally, and health-wise these past few years, but we also have a lot to be thankful for. You can write down or say to yourself one thing you are grateful for each day. Gratitude can improve feelings of positivity and set the tone for the day. A focus on gratitude improves your mental health as well. You can even do it while you brush your teeth! I like to write mine down so at the end of the year I can look back on all the things I am grateful for. Likewise, as a leader, it’s important to mention these things during your staff meetings. Doing so can bring about a sense of camaraderie and unity as you work towards your common goals this new year. Don’t underestimate the power of these small 2023 New Year’s goals! Go for resolutions you can count on: small, achievable, and fun. Fall in love with your goals and this year will be the best one yet. Happy goal setting!
Published by the Corporate Strategy and Communications Division.