It is likely that you already understand the importance in setting goals to have success in your practice. It is also likely that you have heard the term SMART goals. If you have not, the acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Focused/Oriented. This acronym sets a guideline for creating goals that can work. And while it is a great map, there are a couple of other important factor when creating goals for an authentic and successful practice (or any other endeavor you are working on).
Vision
Before you can really set concrete goals, it is helpful to have a general vision of what you would like your practice to look like. And if you already have a successful practice (or one you would not define as successful), it is important to have a vision of what you would like to see different. This is a more general sense of what you see when you close your eyes and picture your ideal practice. What do you see? How does it feel? Who are you working with? Many times, this is a longer-term goal for what you would like your business to be at the highest point you can see at this time for your practice. Your vision will likely change over time as you gain confidence and success.
Mission
One of the most important aspects of keeping your goals in line with your vision is defining your mission. Why are you doing what you are doing? As healers, many of us want to save the world. Maybe a situation from your life was a catalyst for deciding who you want to help. Maybe you have a passion for working with children. Whatever the reason, it is important to acknowledge and keep in the forefront of your mind when setting any type of goals for your practice. What impact do you want to have on your community? Can part of your mission include what type of lifestyle you would like your practice to provide? I say the answer is – Absolutely! While we have a passion to help others, we also need to provide for ourselves and our families in order to continue providing services to others. Maybe you have started your own business because you want more flexibility in your schedule or you would like to work in a way that fits you, or because you want to get paid what you are worth. All of these “whys” are important to understand when creating your goals.
Before you can really set concrete goals, it is helpful to have a general vision of what you would like your practice to look like. And if you already have a successful practice (or one you would not define as successful), it is important to have a vision of what you would like to see different. This is a more general sense of what you see when you close your eyes and picture your ideal practice. What do you see? How does it feel? Who are you working with? Many times, this is a longer-term goal for what you would like your business to be at the highest point you can see at this time for your practice. Your vision will likely change over time as you gain confidence and success.
Mission
One of the most important aspects of keeping your goals in line with your vision is defining your mission. Why are you doing what you are doing? As healers, many of us want to save the world. Maybe a situation from your life was a catalyst for deciding who you want to help. Maybe you have a passion for working with children. Whatever the reason, it is important to acknowledge and keep in the forefront of your mind when setting any type of goals for your practice. What impact do you want to have on your community? Can part of your mission include what type of lifestyle you would like your practice to provide? I say the answer is – Absolutely! While we have a passion to help others, we also need to provide for ourselves and our families in order to continue providing services to others. Maybe you have started your own business because you want more flexibility in your schedule or you would like to work in a way that fits you, or because you want to get paid what you are worth. All of these “whys” are important to understand when creating your goals.
Authenticity
It is my belief that in order to have true success, success beyond making money, everything you do in your practice needs to be authentic to you. So many times, we are caught up in the comparison trap with others in our field. We worry about what we “should” be doing, how many clients we “should” see in a week, what we “should” charge, the types of clients we “should” be seeing, and on and on. I am not immune to the comparison trap. I have to be very intentional and mindful when it grabs a hold of me and remember MY vision, MY mission, and who I am. We are all in a different place in our businesses, in our clinical training, and in our lives in general. Who you are and what you value are so very important when setting your goals.
Accountability
Last, but certainly not least, having an accountability partner (or more than one) can make or break your ability to reach your goals. Putting your intentions out into the world and, more specifically with a trusted friend or colleague, is extremely beneficial in reaching your potential. For me, an accountability partner will bring me back down to earth when I have set too many goals or goals that may not be realistic for the time period I have designated. They are also the person who will call me out if I am not focusing on the details to allow me to be successful. What could an accountability partner do for you? Who could you share your intentions and vision with and know they will support you with what you need?
Now use that acronym and set your SMART goals for the new year, new quarter, or new month. If you haven’t checked in with your vision or mission in a while (or ever) take some time and do it now. Find that partner to keep you on track. And remember that who you are and what you value are important to your process and success.
It is my belief that in order to have true success, success beyond making money, everything you do in your practice needs to be authentic to you. So many times, we are caught up in the comparison trap with others in our field. We worry about what we “should” be doing, how many clients we “should” see in a week, what we “should” charge, the types of clients we “should” be seeing, and on and on. I am not immune to the comparison trap. I have to be very intentional and mindful when it grabs a hold of me and remember MY vision, MY mission, and who I am. We are all in a different place in our businesses, in our clinical training, and in our lives in general. Who you are and what you value are so very important when setting your goals.
Accountability
Last, but certainly not least, having an accountability partner (or more than one) can make or break your ability to reach your goals. Putting your intentions out into the world and, more specifically with a trusted friend or colleague, is extremely beneficial in reaching your potential. For me, an accountability partner will bring me back down to earth when I have set too many goals or goals that may not be realistic for the time period I have designated. They are also the person who will call me out if I am not focusing on the details to allow me to be successful. What could an accountability partner do for you? Who could you share your intentions and vision with and know they will support you with what you need?
Now use that acronym and set your SMART goals for the new year, new quarter, or new month. If you haven’t checked in with your vision or mission in a while (or ever) take some time and do it now. Find that partner to keep you on track. And remember that who you are and what you value are important to your process and success.
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