Being SMART about the future
The New Year is a time to reflect on that which has passed and that which is yet to come. Many people have New Year’s resolutions in mind that focus on getting fitter, eating well, travelling, or being less stressed. People set goals to fulfil these new promises to themselves and step forward positively.
So perhaps, whilst all the goodwill and intent are in the air, it is also a perfect time to reflect on the journey your practice is taking. The very essence of your dental business can depend on how mindful you are about the things you want to achieve in your practice.
As depicted in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, an annual review of past, present, and future performance is no bad thing, and its very reflection can help to determine a more secure and happier future.
The daily grind and “busyness” of our lives can mean that we lose focus easily and become distracted by unimportant trials and tribulations. Many people find that their lives can go in dozens of different directions throughout the year and, as a result, they seldom accomplish their major objectives.
This is because, as business owners, we have to wear many different hats, and the entire act of juggling all the seemingly important things in our lives can place stress and strain on us as individuals. There is also pressure applied to the business. However, the consequences of this are often not seen in the short term.
Hence, a review of where you want to go with your business is an essential management task that needs to be thought about in detail.
Here are some questions that may help in this analysis:
- Am I on track to attain my vision?
- What worked well last year?
- What didn’t work as well?
- What changes can I make in my practice to help overcome my difficulties?
- How can I measure these changes so that I stay on track?
- What achievable goals can I set?
However, setting attainable goals is not to be taken lightly. It’s one thing to want something to happen but quite another to set a goal to make it happen and work towards that goal in a conscious, dedicated and consistent manner.
Many people may feel, “ I’ve tried that goal-setting stuff before and it didn’t work”.
Most people agree that goals are important, but there seems to be a vast discrepancy between goal-setting and goal-achieving.
This is because action is required on a continual basis. But more importantly, you should only be setting goals that:
a) you really want to accomplish, and
b) that are realistic to achieve.
Getting SMART About Your Goals
S – Specific: Set specific boundaries around the goal so that you will know when you have achieved it.
M – Measurable: Ensure you can track how far along the line you are to success.
A – Attainable: Choose goals that are challenging yet achievable with effort and planning.
R – Realistic: Ensure the goal aligns with your current capabilities, resources, and circumstances so that it feels achievable and relevant.
T – Timely: Set a deadline for completion; otherwise, it remains a point of stress on your to-do list.
10 Steps to Setting Benchmarks for a Successful Year
- Create a vision
- Set SMART goals
- Identify what you will gain from this process
- Understand who will be carrying them out
- Know the challenges that lie between you and your goals
- Consider who can help you
- List the skills or knowledge that you require
- Develop the plan of action
- Take action and make it happen
- Celebrate your success
So, learn from the past, take action in the present and look toward the future without losing focus. Make 2014 your year of success, and a happy new year to you all.
Talk to us about how we can help.
Bhavna Doshi
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