There are entire industries built around the achievement of goals. Personal goals, professional goals, health goals – the list goes on! Goals are serious business, and as an executive, you are likely responsible for business goals that directly impact you, your team, and the future of your organization. Sometimes, you might need a partner to help you think through those goals, and those partners can be hard to find in-house. That’s where I come in. My name is Dr. Terry Daniels, and as a seasoned business and executive coach, I can provide you the support you need to achieve your goals and advance your business. I have acquired a lot of knowledge over my 27 years working in Fortune 500 companies, as well as during my experience coaching executives just like you. I have distilled my learnings into a list of five key “dos” and “don’ts” so you can avoid the pitfalls I’ve experienced as well as achieve the successes I know are possible.

1. DO trust your instincts. As a business owner or CEO, you know your business top to bottom, in and out. While it can be tempting to look to others for advice on how to achieve your business goals, crowd-sourcing every decision will be debilitating. Trust your instincts and make the best decisions you can with the information you have. YOU are the key to achieving your goals, because you know the business best.
2. DON’T set unrealistic goals. Avoid setting goals that won’t be possible in reasonable timeframes. Align your goals with the abilities and capacity of your team, as well as with your available resources (such as: people, funding, and technology). Setting attainable goals will ensure some small wins that will undoubtedly motivate you to keep going.
3. DO write things down. Research suggests that people who write things down are considerably more likely to achieve their goals. Writing things down will allow you to hold yourself accountable to the results you expect to see. When writing down your goals, break them down into smaller, actionable steps and create a timeline for each one. Track your progress and celebrate your success!
4. DON’T compare. We’ve all heard the saying that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparing your successes (or lack thereof!) to that of others is not only discouraging but it can also distract your progress. Recognize that every business has different structures, resources and expectations, and the achievements of others have no bearing on the success of your business.
5. DO Communicate. When setting business goals, ensure those who will be participating in the achievement of the goals are aligned and aware of their responsibilities. Communicate the expectations of everyone involved. Communicate the purpose of the goal. Communicate the outcomes you expect to achieve. Ensuring the clarity and alignment of your entire team will not only engage them in the process but maximize collaboration, and in turn, your results.

Achieving your goals requires a unique combination of mindset, planning, and action. Allow this advice to serve as a supplement to the trust you have in yourself and in your team. Now, get out there and make it happen!