The following blog post is sponsored by Massage Champions.
It’s the start of a new year, and perhaps you’re looking at what you want from the next 12 months in your practice.
What you might do differently.
How you can reignite that fire in your belly.
What big goals you want to achieve.
How you can find a few simple steps to follow so you can intentionally set yourself up to thrive . . . And avoid the fear that you might get to the end of another 12 months where nothing much changes.
None of us knows exactly what the year ahead will hold, but we do know that there are three main steps to achieve any of your goals:
- Set those goals
- Find the steps needed to get there
- Do those steps
Sounds simple, right?
But if it is truly that simple, why is it that many people don’t achieve their goals and they end up feeling stuck or burned out?
More importantly—what can you do to make sure you are creating the goals you want in your business?
Luckily, there are answers!
Set Those Goals
The tried-and-tested “SMART” method (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timed) is undeniably helpful in setting specific targets.
But let’s be honest, it can be completely boring. There’s more magic and fun in having inspirational goals that tap into your passion and raise your energy.
So before we get too detailed, start by immersing yourself in why you do what you do—and create a huge vision for an amazing future.
Start with that vision to raise your energy, and then use that passion to drive your decisions about what practical projects and SMART goals you want to commit to in the short term.
Find The Steps
Having a list of action steps creates your practical plan. I call these “Steps To Success” and I still write them out every week for myself.
It’s not always easy to see what these are in advance, especially if you want to go places in business that you haven’t experienced before. And it’s tempting to overthink and get stuck in analysis paralysis. Instead, keep it simple and figure out the foggy bits as you go.
Here are a few tips:
- If you need more bookings—then marketing steps will bring in new clients and improve retention.
- If you want more time—getting systems, software, or outsourcing in place will mean your own time is freed up.
- If you’re growing a team—creating confidence in your leadership skills is just as important as the practical systems.
Connecting with a coach or mentor can help to know what steps might be needed, then adapt as you go.
Do Those Steps
We are all motivated in different ways. I am driven by personal relationships. For example, I meet a close friend every Wednesday morning for a run and a coffee. We meet early, and I’ve never once slept in because I know she’s there waiting for me.
My husband, James, on the other hand, is more driven by lists, timelines, and little boxes he can tick off.
To me that feels constrictive and weird but hey, it works for him.
The point is that we both know how we’re motivated and use that to our advantage. You can set yourself on the trajectory right now, but success only comes from staying on that path and continuing to move along. No one falls off the right path by accident, they behave off. To stay on the path to your goals, have in place a system of behavior that encourages you to continue.
Join The THRIVE Challenge
This free five-day challenge is designed to give you a push-start on your path to success. It’s action-oriented so you’ll do steps each day as well as get your intentional plan in place so you can have a deeply rewarding year.
See the details and sign up here. I’ll be working with the THRIVE Challenge participants personally, so I look forward to connecting with you there!
author bio
Elicia Crook, business coach for massage therapists at Massage Champions.