SMART goals fail to motivate

SMART goals fail to inspire visionary accounting professionals. That’s because goals, over time, lose their appeal. As your motivation dwindles, the day to day operations gradually turn into a grind.

You then feel trapped. Although you go through the motions, the burning desire to achieve something significant dampens.

Back in the 1980’s corporate employees were under-performing. SMART goals were put in place to cure the performance problem. Originally, business managers adopted this goal setting strategy to increase employee production.

For large corporations like the Big 4, even a 3-5% increase in productivity increases profits and shareholder dividends. Such a small percentage; however, doesn’t excite most firm owners. Growth-minded accounting professionals seek something more significant.

SMART goals lack inspiration

If SMART goals work for you, then continue using them. Something specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time specific does serve a purpose. Since goals lack inspiration, your plan eventually gets placed into the back of your filing cabinet. In fact, 92% of New Year’s Resolutions fail.

Yes, specific outcomes define your target. Defining the 5 W’s of who, what, when, where and why works for short term goals. Visionary accounting professionals desire something more.

Measuring your success according to set numbers offers valuable feedback. When you define success solely by the numbers, you run the risk of judging yourself at the end of each month. Either you’re succeeding or failing. I encourage the accountants and bookkeepers that I closely work with to develop a variety of ways to measure progress. In fact, some of your indicators ought to be subjective.

SMART goals fail to inspire visionary accounting professionals. That’s because goals, over time, lose their appeal. Read full post. #getpaidwhatyoureworth Click To Tweet

Now it’s easy to argue about the importance of attainable goals. History proves, however, that progress occurs when you challenge the status quo. Did Steve Jobs really know if the technology for the iPhone could be invented? Absolutely not. His vision propelled him to take a risk.

Let’s discuss relevance. There’s nothing realistic about the internal drive to challenge your comfort zone. As you stretch your current capabilities, you’ll encounter challenging moments. Those moments often feel like you’re kayaking through a Class 5 rapid. A recent example is Firm of the Future’s 2018 Grand Prize winner Cloud Bookkeeping Services of Canada. As a result of technology, they stepped up as advisors. Automation freed up their time to focus on higher level services. As a way of giving back to the community, they educate and mentor.

SMART goals include time frames. You project dates to hit key milestones. This, however, fails to explain why some accounting professionals quickly rise to the top, although their business is relatively new.

Tactics aren’t enough

Things rarely go as planned. When unforeseen obstacles arise, all progress quickly halts. SMART goals fail because they dismiss a highly critical factor. Goals overlook the inner drive which propels you forward. What’s your BIG WHY?

Want to rise above the challenge? Then determine your core reason to turn your vision into a reality. Don’t be shy – make it deeply personal. Are you pursuing this for yourself, or someone else? And, why? Something personally meaningful inspires you to continue forward, even when it feels tough.

Visionary accounting professionals dig deeper

An internal desire drives visionary accounting professionals forward. It’s similar to the gravitational pull between the earth and the sun. An internal magnetic force propels you to rise up. It’s as if the only choice is to pursue your vision.

A compelling vision is more than a goal. And, it’s not based on logic. Unlike static goals, a vision charges you emotionally. You’re willing to do what others solely talk about doing.

Tired of overthinking the possibilities and tolerating the status quo? As a business coach, I team up with my clients to accomplish more in less time. An inspiring vision motivates you to DO more and BE more.

Success is more than the numbers

Here’s why a vision works where SMART goals fail:

• Challenge. A vision has a built in challenge. Visionary accounting professionals savor the challenge.
• Commitment. It’s something you’re driven to do. As a result, you stick with it even when you’re challenging your limits
• Charged. Your vision engages your senses. You create an emotionally rich, vibrant story of what’s possible. Consider this your rocket fuel.
• Connection. You clearly see yourself successfully achieving your vision, although you do not know all the necessary steps. The plunge into unchartered territory requires a leap of faith.
• Celebration. Remember to celebrate the smaller achievements which are tucked into your larger vision. They keep you going through the tough, challenging moments.

Expect hurdles and obstacles to arise. A crystal clear vision keeps you focused on the finish line. Now does this work for ALL firm owners? Absolutely not. Even highly motivated accounting professionals benefit from a business coach or mentor to efficiently navigate through obstacles.

Things rarely go as planned. Unforeseen obstacles can quickly bring all progress to a halt. Read full post. #getpaidwhatyoureworth Click To Tweet

Don’t quit too soon

If you’re externally driven, then you’ll eventually throw in the towel. The money, the recognition, or the certifications are external factors. Each one is a milestone, an achievement. However, it’s not enough. Internal motivation, your BIG WHY, contributes to you successfully achieving any long term venture.

What drives you to accomplish what others simply dream about? Research proves that a deeper purpose within keeps you going, even when it’s tough. Revealing the underlying meaning, your BIG Why, is the fuel which keeps your fire burning within. Describe your purpose, something personally meaningful, which lights you up. As a visionary accounting professional, what’s your rocket fuel?

SMART goals eventually fail. Follow these recommendations for your accounting practice to be successful, and grow while keeping your passion alive. Discover how to take charge of your firm instead of your firm taking charge of you. Right NOW claim your FREE RESOURCE to earn more while lightening your workload.