During high school and University my teachers were always talking about the power of goal setting. I think I actually tried it once when I was finishing my final exams, but it was nothing I ever took seriously. It was only when I started my own business that I actually gave goal setting a real chance – got to hand it to all those teachers, they were onto something.

When it comes to planning, launching and running your own t-shirt label, there is a hell of a lot of work to be done and sometimes it can seem overwhelming. That’s why I think setting goals and seeing legit results can really help us keep on top of the workload and give us the encouragement to keep grinding.

WHY SET GOALS?

Goal setting is basically a way of working out what you want, and using time-specific objectives to get there. Successful business people. professional athletes and high-achievers sing the praises of this method to help them achieve a long term vision and keep up motivation along the way. For me personally, I find it helps me stay focused, keeps me from becoming overwhelmed and just gets me a hell of a lot more organised (which is something I struggle with on a daily basis).

HOW TO DO IT

First up, think about your big-lifetime goal ie. to be a successful international indie brand! Then it’s just a matter of breaking it down into smaller steps to get there. You can have a few goal lists. In fact I have an overall goal and I then break that into daily, weekly and monthly goals.

For goal setting to be successful, your goals need to have three elements – they need to be specific, time orientated and ultimately achievable. For example, setting your goal as “To make a million dollars” isn’t specific enough to be helpful. But if you were to change that goal to “to make a million dollars by June 2015″ you’re well on your way because it is specific, time orientated and achievable.

TO GET THE MOST OUT OF IT

You can have the best intentions but it’s pretty hard to stick to anything unless you see results – and that’s why I like marking items off a list. Try writing a list of things you want to achieve tomorrow and put them in numbered order of importance. Then keep checking back to the list and be sure to mark off each goal when you achieve it. This way you are giving yourself some visual reinforcement that you’re on the right path and actually getting things done.

Even if you think goal setting is a bit new age and wanky, give it a try for one week and see if you notice a difference in the way you’re able to handle your workload. Let me know how you go!

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