S.M.A.R.T. Goals and Action Steps: Set Yourself Up for Success!

By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist
ActionCOACH Spokane

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a 90-day planning session called GrowthCLUB. During past workshops, there seemed little in the curriculum relating to my art business, but this time around, something has changed.

Perhaps it's been consistent sales during my shows. Or maybe I just realized that people aren't being just nice. Let's face it; in all my years of living, I have never been overwhelmed by the niceness of people. Suddenly, there is an epidemic of nice?

I have been extremely fortunate in the support I have received with my artwork. I would even dare to use the word lucky. And each day, I wait with bated breath for my luck to run out.

It just dawned on me, however, that I have another option. That option is called planning: setting a goal and then working to achieve it. This seems to me a much more optimistic approach.

Who knew you had control over your own success? Did you know this? 

So instead of gambling on luck, unicorns, and wishes, sitting before me are my very own "S.M.A.R.T." goals.

S=Specific
M=Measurable
A=Agreed Upon
R=Realistic
T=Time Bound

Sounds pretty straight forward right?


So let's take a look at my first attempt that day:

Goals:
1. Focus on creating art.
2. Find people who like it.

Not bad, maybe a little vague...

Now, let's look at the revised goals (courtesy of Coach Jim Munro who, by the way, found my second goal nothing short of hilarious)...

Goals:
1. Create an average of 3 new pieces per month or 18 new pieces total by 12/31/12.
2. Liquidate existing inventory by 12/31/12.
3. Sell 10 of the new pieces by 12/31/12.

As you can see, my goals were not very specific and much too vague to foster motivation. Additionally, it's very difficult to measure results if no numbers exist in your plan. Unfortunately, measurable means you must adopt a binary mindset to accomplish your specific goals; either you did it, or you didn't. That puts the accountability factor smack dab in your face. Ouch!

After you have defined your "S.M.A.R.T." goals, the next step is to break each goal down into action steps. These are tasks performed weekly and daily that will lead you to your goal. Then, these steps are put into your respective calendar system.

For example, one action step could be finishing my current painting in 4 days. My action steps would reflect the specific tasks over the next 4 days in order to complete the piece within the assigned deadline.

Ultimately, by utilizing action steps in a measurable and organized fashion, I work each day toward my goal which enables me to prioritize my time more efficiently.

Like anything, this approach works great in theory. But there is always a catch. The first catch is Procrastination. It gets me every time. Motivation comes difficult after the pep talks have worn off. The old "I'll get around to it after this nap" fever can blind side you if proceed unaware of your own weaknesses, habits, and the detrimental ways you deal with stress.

For me, one of the most common ways I talk myself out of proactivity (okay, activity in general) is my perceived indelible right to mentally check out when I feel overwhelmed, stressed out, or generally unmotivated. I tend to tell myself it's my "reward" for persevering; it's the same logic that justifies a cupcake after a hard workout in the gym. It's all self-sabotage and old habits no matter how much you cover it in frosting.

But the good news is that there are other options. There are tools. And yes, there are choices.

I have not moved forward with my action steps as of yet (oh hush) but at least I have three goals.

REAL GOALS! 

Not, "what ifs".  And for me, that is one fabulous start!


Remember what Julie Andrews said (you know, that goody two-shoes 'Mary Poppins')...

"Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th! 

Art, Wine, Wit...and Some FAQs About Coaching...No I don't work for a business hospice...your diagnosis is not terminal...

By Joy Mizzoni 

Artist and Team Support Specialist at ActionCOACH Spokane

As you know, I am an artist. If you missed my very first posting than click here now! 

June 1, 2012, I had the honor of being June’s First Friday artist at CaterinaWinery.

Acrylic on Wood by your humble blog author

A big thank you to Coach Jim Munro who spent three hours atop a ladder (in a tie) hanging 29 pieces of my art!  If that’s not a job perk, I don’t know what is…

Surprisingly, there were as many questions asked of me about business coaching as there were about my art. 

To me, this is a great sign because it means two things:

1. People are actually reading this blog 
2. I have elicited some curiosity about coaching. 

Now, I did mention these questions were asked of me during an art event at a winery.  I like wine, especially complimentary wine.  A lot.  Which explains why I felt it necessary to compose a blog posting on a Monday morning to try and better clarify some of my answers I may have offered Friday night. I do believe, in my defense, my answers where clear, articulate and typically ended with, ‘excuse me, I’m going to get another glass of wine.’

 

So, let’s explore business coaching.  What it is and what it is not.

It is not a business hospice…

If you come expecting miracles, you may be disappointed. This is not the place to come and die. If your business is dead, we probably can not resuscitate it for you. 

 

 

ActionCOACH Spokane works with businesses that are already profitable. 

(Click Here for ActionCOACH definition of a“business”) 

“We are not looking for a couch potato to turn them into a triathlete,” explains Jim Munro.  “Our best clients, and the most fun to work with, are businesses that are 80% there, but are looking to accelerate that last 15-20% of their success. They might have achieved that last 20% in a few years anyway, but the impact on both the business and the community is astounding when they move forward at warp speed in contrast to a slow plod.”

It is not a sign of weakness or ineptitude…

People seem to think of business coaching in the same respects neighbors thought of divorce in the 1950s:  “I didn’t know they were having problems…I didn’t know things were THAT bad.” 

Let me ask you something, if your colleague told you they hired a personal trainer, would you respond,

“Gee Gloria, I didn’t know you were THAT fat”? 

No, of course you wouldn’t!

Go for the gold in the business Olympics…

 

Simply put, a business coach works with emerging and successful business owners who wish to take their success to a higher level.

The word “success” is subjective; so is happiness.  It’s personally defined by each individual.  A business coach does not pass judgment.

What a business coach does is hold you accountable, keep you focused, and ensure you are putting time and energy into actions that produce results for your business; not just on things you enjoy. 

A business coach will tell you that you have to fire Aunt Betty, because although she’s your favorite aunt and she always brings you chocolate chip cookies, as an employee, she is pretty much worthless.

Some specifics please….

 

A business coach can help you with….

• Sales
• Advertising
• Profit growth
• Business growth
• Business systems
• Time issues
• Team building strategies

Can’t anyone slap “Business Coach” in front of their name? 

Just like you wouldn’t visit a plastic surgeon without doing your homework, you should never hire a business coach without snooping around first.  Yes, anyone can call themselves a “coach” and charge you a fee.

I feel I'm among the real deal...

Greg M. Anderson, MS, MSW, BCC
Certified Business Coach

ActionCOACH GregAnderson  is the first person in the Spokane area to attain Board Certification through the Center for Credentialing and Education.  He is native to the Spokane-area, graduating from Eastern Washington University with both his Bachelor and Master degrees.  He earned a second Masters’ degree from Walla Walla College.  During his studies, he lectured extensively as a Graduate-level teaching assistant and guest lecturer in his field of study.  He was recently recognized for his national efforts to share the impact of his learning and abilities.

But Joy….they pay you to say good things….

Yes, but not this many good things. I came here in September thinking only a miracle or a very rich husband could make my dream of someday becoming a full time artist reality. But witnessing our clients’ successes coupled with the practical, strategic guidance I receive during my weekly meetings with my coach, I have begun to see some fundamental similarities in successful people. I am aware of the continuous assault of distractions bombarded on me almost constantly.  The road to success sometimes seems paved with land mines and booby traps.

I took another step toward my professional success through my art by accepting a friendly push, although I didn't think I was seeking out that helpful shove. Fortunately, someone cared enough to provide it and I was smart enough not to refuse the assistance.

Want to succeed? Want to do it as effectively as possible? Someone knows and cares enough to help you too...Take your first step...reach out for assistance and start on your journey post haste...

Explore More....Suggested Links...

  ActionCOACH Spokane BBB Profile A+ Rating

Best Business Consulting Company - ActionCOACH Spokane

Free Business Tools

http://www.actioncoach.com/businesstools

You have to tell yourself you can do it. Otherwise you won't.

 

By Joy Mizzoni

Team Support Specialist

ActionCOACH Spokane

I took this job for inspiration. I thought working with business coaches would offer me insight into possibilities unimagined. I thought working at the front desk would be invigorating because I would meet, first hand, a different array of clients; and possibly grasp little wisps of inspiration from them as they walk past my desk.

My expectations were reaffirmed today when  I heard myself say to a client, “if there is one thing that I have learned from working here, is that you have to tell yourself you can do it.” 

Do you ever stop and wonder how your actions affect others? Does it seem silly that a 10 minute conversation can mirror so greatly my own dreams and ambitions? 

For the first time in my life, I thought to myself, “if she can do it, maybe I can do it.”  Notice my hesitant “maybe”…I still need an out. I’m not there yet. But it’s a start.

This woman, younger than me, a divorced mother of four and a business owner shared with me that she recently auditioned for a popular band. I graciously listened to the song she recorded and my heart stopped.

Standing before me was someone close to my age, pretty, youthful, business-minded, yet artistically driven sharing with me what may be her next endeavor. 

How many excuses could she have come up with as to why it’s not reasonable to pursue a career in the music industry? 

There are lots of reasons why it’s difficult; but… it could work.

I challenge each of you to start thinking that it could work. Whatever “it” is for you. 

What tiny fragments of your forgotten passions and talents are still breathing despite being smothered with grown-up responsibilities? 

Is it singing? Acting? Painting? Writing? Helping others? You could take a voice lesson. That could work. You could try out for a small part in a local theater production. That could work. 

Forget practical for right now. Forget responsible for right now. Forget should.  Yes, there are a lot of things you should be doing, but what is it you COULD be doing?

You know something? That might just work!

False Expectations Appearing Real: Conquering Fear

By Joy Mizzoni
Team Support Specialist 

ActionCOACH Spokane

If you told me I have two choices: One that will probably end catastrophically in disaster with only a 1% chance of success and the other will most certainly lead to success (but is significantly less risky and exciting) there is a 99.9% chance I will always choose the least-logical option. 

If I bet on horses, I'd pick the long-shot every time.

Why?

If the odds are against you, and you win, you WIN BIG. 

If you fail…then wasn’t that really your expectation in the first place?

It’s a win-win. Even if you lose. 

Except, , this is really called is self-sabotage fueled by fear of the unknown. 

It’s not really fear or success; it’s fear of trying to be successful and failing. 

It’s like walking through the same dark, creature-infested forest searching in circles for a way out; but you know every inch of the forest. You know which shadows are tree branches and which are hungry carnivores. 

It’s familiar. 

But that clearing for which you say you are searching...that is unfamiliar territory!

Sure the sun shines brightly and fragrant flowers abundantly bloom....but...what if.... the sun is too bright...what if... it’s so bright you go blind....what if.. you have an anaphylactic reaction to a bee...what if... something unforeseen is hiding  that is ten times more dangerous than any creature in your familiar forest? 

So you keep walking. In circles. You say you’re searching for a way out, but really, you’re just making excuses. Excuses to stay where you’re comfortable because you’re scared of the unknown. 

So what do you do? 

I don’t know. I have recently just glimpsed the clearing through the trees. I have only considered venturing out into the unknown. But I’m not ready yet. 

Not entirely.

I am just beginning to realize that when opportunities are pounding at my door, I pretend I don’t notice.  I cower like an agoraphobic. And you know what the worst part of it all is? It’s a choice. 

Acquiescing to fear is a choice. That can be a hard pill to swallow because then who is to blame? There is a lot of people we think are to blame, but unfortunately, the only person bearing accountability is ourselves. 

Really think about where you want to go in life. Think about your passions. Think about your talents. Recognize that droning, driveling voice that screams a litany of reasons for self-doubt every time you think about your goals. 

Then take a moment and remind yourself that fear is only false expectations appearing real. 

 

Below are some links to other articles/sites dealing with the concept of fear:

http://www.actioncoach.com/Conquering-Fear?pressid=1191

http://www.webcareergirl.com/fear-false-evidence-appearing-real.html