Changing Goals for Good Reasons
I can’t begin to count the number of clients who have hired me to help them work towards a particular goal or vision - serious, big time visions - and then they end up changing their goals for good reasons.
Here’s the scenario - you set goals that you’re passionate about, and you’re doing all the things to bring your vision to life. But two weeks or months down the line, an unexpected opportunity or possibility falls right in your goal-achieving lap. Suddenly you clearly see yourself shifting to a different and better goal.
Every time this happens my clients ask, “Oh my gosh. Am I the only crazy person who’s done this?”
And the answer is definitely not.
We can only work towards what we think we want. Taking action and moving forward exposes us to an abundance of information and puts other possibilities in front of us. Exploration and moving forward can clarify and define where we’re really headed.
Every entrepreneur thinks they are the only one to face a particular challenge, which makes sense since they spend most of their time working solo. To set the record straight though, that’s not the case at all. Here are some examples of entrepreneurs who chose to change their goals.
Growth and Expansion
I worked with a client who wanted to grow her business, so that meant hiring a few staff members and increasing her reach. She was motivated and did what she needed to do to reach that goal. Except she found out that she really didn’t want to manage other people, but she wouldn’t have known that without trying. So we switched focus to pare down what we had built up.
Finding Opportunity
This client hired me to help her set and achieve goals to get a new business going. We created a plan and began putting actions in place. Then she got a fantastic job offer she just couldn’t resist. Sometimes you can’t make the best choice until you have the right ones to choose from.
Business is One Priority
I was hired by this client to take her business to the next level. There were some sudden changes in her personal life that she was thrilled about. So she changed her mind and we changed our focus. Your business is one priority in your life, but there can be others that are equally important.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting one thing and learning you want something else. Sometimes outside forces can impact your goals. Other times you simply change your mind.
You may feel sheepish about telling people your goal is changing, but there’s nothing wrong with this. It has nothing to do with failure, and it won’t define you as someone who doesn’t see their goals through to the finish - if you’re changing your goal for good reasons. Your interests can change, your personal life can tug on your heart, your health can require your attention. There’s an infinite number of events that can alter what you choose to work towards.
A benefit of being a small business owner and not working in the corporate world is the ability to pivot quickly. So how do you make the change once you decide?
Back to the drawing board
Create a new plan for your new goal. Be clear on what you need to do daily and weekly to move forward, just like the previous goal. Taking action gives you clarity and keeps you present. Sitting in your office daydreaming will get you nowhere. Even little baby steps will help you decide whether you’re headed in the right direction or if you need to do something else.
Beware changing goals for the wrong reasons
I have also seen clients stop in their tracks because of fear, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt. Some business owners flip flop from one idea to another, which keeps them safe in their comfort zone because they avoid committing to one thing. Unfortunately, you lose credibility when you do this. When you don’t have confidence in yourself, it’s hard for others to be confident in your abilities.
You only need one person’s approval to change your goals and that’s yours.
There are a few ways to work with me so you can get clear on your goals and next actions.
Sign up for my CEO Power Planning Workshop - A two and a half hour facilitated workshop to set your next 12-week goals, break them down into an executable action plan and create a resource plan.
If you need more support over a longer period of time, consider my 12-week Path of Action Strategy and Execution Group.
Need help deciding which offer is right for you? Set up a call with me.
P.S. Ready to stop spinning in place and get to the other side of your goals? Here are several ways I can help:
Download my free weekly planning guide - it will help you become more intentional with your time, develop a clear action plan for your week, and ensure that you are focusing on activities that will move your business forward - Download Now
Join our next CEO Power Planning Session and spend two and a half hours ON your business. During this facilitated workshop, you’ll set and prioritize your next 12-week goals, break them down into an executable action plan and create a resource plan - Join the Wait List
Apply for the next Close the Gap Program and stay on track to achieve your most important goals. 1:1 support and guidance on prioritizing goals, creating a plan and putting structure and routines in place. Then 12 weeks of group support around execution - Apply today