While it may be hard to believe, 2017 is quickly coming to a close, but with a new year comes the opportunity to set new goals. Whether it’s starting your own small business, increasing your company’s profits, or getting the promotion you’ve been dreaming of, it all starts with deciding what you truly want. Clearly defining your goals before January 1st is a great way to start the new year off right. Today we’re sharing our 18 tips for a successful 2018, from getting yourself in the right headspace before the year begins, to the things you’ll want to remember as you conquer the year.
1. Get started early
Don’t wait until January 1st to decide what your resolution and yearly goals will be. Get ahead of the game, determine what you want, and find the mentality you’ll need to be successful in the new year.
2. Map out your goals
Once you’ve decided what it is you want to accomplish in 2018, write it all down and separate your work and personal goals. When mapping out your work goals, break down your responsibilities into different categories and focus on what it is you want to achieve within each category.
3. Take small steps
Make big goals more attainable by identifying what small steps you need to take to reach them. For example, if your main goal for 2018 is to be more productive, you might wake up earlier and create a workspace that eliminates distractions.
4. Set intentions
Another proven way to reach your goals is to set daily intentions. When you wake up each morning, determine what it is you want to accomplish that day. Whether it’s keeping a positive attitude or knocking out a reasonable to-do list, it’ll be easier to guide yourself through the day with an intention.
5. Be valuable
One of the fastest ways to gain more customers or get that promotion is to show your value, but before you can show the world why you’re an asset, you must first recognize it yourself. What do you bring to the table that no one else does? What makes your specific skill set unique? Know what makes you important and be sure your peers do, too.
6. Continue learning
Recognizing your value is important, but so is remembering there is always room for improvement. Take every opportunity you get to continue learning and bettering yourself.
7. Commit to a healthy lifestyle
When improving yourself mentally, don’t forget to improve yourself physically. Whether you commit to a workout routine or choose to eat healthier, you will feel stronger and more capable of achieving your goals.
8. Volunteer your time
Make it a point to feed your soul in the new year. These days, it’s easy to overlook how fortunate we are when we get busy with our daily hustle. Take a few days out of your year, or more if you’re able, and volunteer to help others in need.
9. Stay organized
At times, you’ll undoubtedly be overwhelmed with all there is to do. Making lists or keeping notes is the easiest way to stay organized and be sure you get everything done in a timely fashion. Buy a planner or a personalized portfolio to make staying organized easier and a bit more fun.
10. Be grateful
Another great way to gain perspective when you’re feeling overwhelmed is to think of how lucky you are. If you have a job, a roof over your head, and people who care for you, you’re automatically better off than many others in the world. Don’t forget to be practice gratitude every single day.
11. Welcome small failures
When a big project doesn’t turn out the way you’d imagined or you miss a deadline, find a way to make it benefit you. If we never failed, we would never improve, so take each failure as a learning opportunity.
12. Travel
What is all the success in the world worth if you don’t take the time to enjoy experiences? If there’s a country you’ve been dying to visit, or a loved one in another state you miss, buy the ticket and take the ride. Be sure to travel safely with our tips and avoid worrying about finding your luggage with a personalized tag. Not only will travel give you a well-deserved break, experiencing new things will also expand your mind.
13. Spend time with family
At the end of the day, it’s not about where you are but who you’re with. Chasing your dreams is time-consuming and stressful, but be sure to always make time for those who mean the most to you, whether it’s your family or your close friends.
14. Share your goals
Always share your goals with your team. Not only will it empower you to turn your plan into a reality, but your transparency will also give your team the motivation they need to do their part. Make sure your team is equipped for success with tools like name tags for customer interactions or photo ID badges to increase security.
15. Celebrate small victories
Each time you reach your sales target or gain a new profitable account, recognize how that accomplishment puts you one step closer to reaching your overall goal. By celebrating small victories, you’ll inspire yourself and your team to keep up the momentum.
16. Envision your success
So often we put all of our focus on what we need to do to get there, but don’t think about what it will be like when we arrive. What will it look like when you reach your goal? How will you feel about what you’ve accomplished? Envisioning your success helps you take the right steps to get you there.
17. Stay positive
Success is hardly ever achieved over night. You’ll face stress, failure, and hardship along the way, so it’s important to stay positive. Always remember you’re capable of getting exactly what you want out of life, as long as you’re willing to put the work in and never give up.
18. Plan for the future
Where would you like to see yourself three, five or even 10 years down the road? Some things may be hard to accomplish in just a years time, especially if they’re huge goals, so think about your long term goals and give yourself a place to begin next new year. You may even surprise yourself and accomplish them in a shorter amount of time than you thought.
We hope you feel ready to map out your goals, take steps towards them, and celebrate your small victories along the way. With your priorities in order and the right mentality you’re sure to make 2018 the best year yet! So what will your plan for success be going into the new year?