Writing down your goals is a good start. But a goal without a reason behind it is just a number on a piece of paper. If you want your goals to actually motivate you when things get hard, you need to understand why each one matters to you personally.
The Problem with Arbitrary Goals
I see this all the time with entrepreneurs. Someone sets a goal like “make $150,000 this year” or “get to 10,000 email subscribers” or “publish 200 blog posts.” Those are fine as targets, but they are meaningless by themselves. When you hit a rough patch — and you will — a number alone is not going to get you out of bed to work at midnight.
The question you need to answer is: why does that number matter?
Maybe $150,000 means you can finally pay off your debt and stop living paycheck to paycheck. Maybe 10,000 subscribers means you have built an audience large enough to sustain a full-time business. Maybe 200 posts means you will have enough content to establish yourself as the go-to resource in your niche.
The specific number is not what drives you. The meaning behind it is.
How to Rationalize Your Goals
Take each goal you have set for your business and spend a few minutes writing down exactly why it matters. Be specific and be honest. Here is a simple framework:
- What is the goal? State it clearly.
- Why does it matter? What changes in your life when you achieve it?
- What happens if you do not achieve it? What stays the same?
- Is it realistic? Based on your current situation, resources, and time available, can you actually get there?
That last question is important. An unrealistic goal is worse than no goal at all because it sets you up for failure and discouragement. If you are building a business part-time after your day job, your targets need to reflect that reality.
Make It Visible
Once you have rationalized your goals, put them somewhere you will see them regularly. A note on your desk, a reminder on your phone, a sticky note on your monitor. When motivation dips, reading the reason behind your goal is far more powerful than staring at a number.
The Bottom Line
Goals without reasons are wishes. Take the time to understand why each of your goals matters, and you will find it much easier to stay committed when the work gets hard.
For more on setting and achieving meaningful goals, listen to the Late Night Internet Marketing Podcast.
