Should You Downsize Your Business Goals?
I just read a great blog post by Robert I. Sutton on the downside of what he refers to as “Big, Hairy Goals.” It’s an interesting discussion of how a narrow focus on huge “distant horizon” goals can interfere with recognizing – and celebrating – daily accomplishments.
This got me thinking about how small business owners often contribute to their own burnout by setting inflexible – and therefore unrealistic – goals.
Yes, you’re in business because you have goals…you have dreams. But sometimes the very best business strategy is to LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
I’m not saying you grind to a halt and give up all your aspirations. I’m saying sometimes you need to acknowledge those big reality slaps that the world provides and give yourself some breathing room.
I start each holiday weekend with a list of tasks that could only be achieved through superhuman feats. Three whole days always seems like ample time to accomplish everything. Of course it never works out that way. In my younger days, this made me crazy. Now that I am older and wiser – and slower – I’ve made a deal with myself. If I accomplish anything – anything at all – on my list of things to do, then that’s a good day.
The same applies to business. Sure I have goals. I also have deadlines to meet, clients to accommodate and “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” to dodge. Speedbumps and impediments to success should be factored into your business plan. The important thing is to not let your long-term goals overshadow your short-term achievements. If you have only one measure of success, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.
One longtime small business owner I know is always amused when people ask her how “how’s business?” Her response lately is “well, it’s great…by today’s standards”. The fact is, she’s generating less income than she did 10 years ago – and working harder to do so. But she’s chosen to adjust her expectations to reflect the current economy. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have ANY good days where business was concerned. Instead, she’s realigned her perspective for 2010. By temporarily lowering the bar, she’s able to feel good about her current business achievements again. That’s not to say she’s given up. She’s added new products and ramped up her marketing. She still has goals, they’ve just been adjusted and downsized to fit the current reality. Her willingness to do this is one reason she’s been in business for so long.
As you work toward your long-term goals, but be sure to relish each daily victory and success – no matter how small. That’s what keeps a small business owner in love with their business – and loving your business is vital to your success.
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