“Goals are dreams with deadlines” – Diana Scharf Hunt

When I first came across this quote it took a moment for it’s full meaning to sink in.

I think it’s one of the best definitions I’ve come across.

Better than the boring old “the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.” (from Dictionary.com).

‘Dreams with deadlines’ is so much more in tune with who we are as small business owners and entrepreneurs. It’s our dreams and passions which drive us to face and work through all challenges thrown our way. We take a deep breath, focus and point ourselves in the direction of our dreams, our goals.

And that got me to thinking. Again.. What are goals and what do they mean? To me:

Goals empower you to achieve success. They give you focus and direction and allow you to plot your path towards your dream. Which leads me to my next point..

An unmeasured goal puts success at risk. Goals demand to be measured. Otherwise how to you know when you’ve arrived? When you can punch your arm in the air with a big, loud YES! behind it. And then bask in the well deserved feeling of elation and achievement.

There is no screening test for bad goals. I wish there were, believe me I wish there were… That said, it’s important to know when to persist and when to let go. We all make mistakes, that’s how we learn. And one of the key things we need to learn as small business owners and entrepreneurs is when to let go of a bad goal.

All goals must help you achieve your business plan and purpose. To do this you need to have clarity of purpose and vision. To help you, ask yourself:

Why am I doing this
What do I need to do
How am I going to do it

It’s important to talk about your goals. Tell your family. Tell your employees. Tell your colleagues. Tell your friends. Tell the world. Tell your customers. Tell your suppliers. Tell anyone who will listen.

Communicate. By talking about your goals you make yourself visibly accountable for achieving them. Human nature makes us want to achieve what has been spoken. And on the other side of the coin you will have a band of supporters who want you to achieve your goals and will do their best to get you across the line.

As I started with a quote I’m going to finish with one. This one is about dreams, hope and reality. Reality of achieving our goals and dreams.

“It is difficult to say what is impossible,
for the dream of yesterday
is the hope of today
and the reality of tomorrow.” – Robert H. Goddard

Some questions:

Do you think goals are dreams with a deadline?

What do goals mean to you?

What do you do to achieve your goals?

Download these new Goals Worksheet Templates: