A new year offers the opportunity to look back and reflect on the past months and review the lessons learned, but more importantly, to move forward and create the success we want to experience. Many people set New Year’s resolutions, vowing to get in better shape physically, financially, or emotionally. But how about professionally? While I am not a fan of resolutions, I believe in goal-setting for a Prosperous New Business and blog.

The Super achievers of all time have always been huge advocates of goal setting. Goal-setting valuable technique allows you to set a safe direction toward success, avoid costly mistakes, and constantly review and evaluate the effectiveness of your strategy. As a blogger and mompreneur, you definitely want to take advantage of this process!

Elayna’s 3 C’s of Goal Setting

Before pressing the “Restart” button and start making a list of professional goals, it is imperative to know the three principles of effective goal-setting:

Clarity – Decide exactly what you want and write it down. Be specific and realistic and make sure your goals are measurable.

Competence – What tasks do you need to complete to reach your goals? Define what qualifications are needed to perform them and prioritize them carefully.

Concentration – Develop the discipline to stay focused and complete one task at a time; do not let anything distract you from the path that guarantees success.

10 Powerful Ideas for a Prosperous New Business and a Prosperous New Blog

When setting your goals, resist the temptation to include “Cut expenses”, “Stick to a budget”, or even the “Get organized” statements. Sure these are important; they are also expected. Here are some non-prescriptive creative ideas that you can adapt for your business and lifestyle and you may want to consider:

1. Knowledge and Skill ~ Today’s business setting requires lifelong learning and self-improvement. Attend a conference, workshop or continuing education class, read a book, research online. Today, with audio-books, e-books and webinars, you can literally learn while you lunch or drive.
2. Embrace New Media ~ Get a smart phone, commit a few more minutes a day to social networking, implement an e-mail marketing campaign, blog more often…Find out how others are using technology to succeed and apply it to your own circumstances.
3. Contribute ~ Serving others is a great way to get known around the community, friend the press, and make the world a better place… all at the same time!
4. Partner Up ~ Strategic alliances can be used to cross-market to a specific niche, build a powerful referral network, delegate tasks and focus on the ones you excel at, or barter services to get value and keep the costs down.
5. Join a Network ~ “Your Network is your Net Worth”. Remember that the true secret to building meaningful contacts in a networking event is the ability to listen and be of value to others. While you may think that other bloggers are your competitors, it’s actually the other way around: together we are better and stronger and can achieve more!
6. Communicate ~ Your readers – and the brands you partner with – expect excellent communication skills. Become a skillful speaker, writer, and video-caster. Be consistent and constant in your e-mail marketing, taking the time to thank your loyal followers for their time.
7. Upgrade your Web Presence ~ Use the web to interact with your customers, provide value and get feedback. Use a blog and free social networking tools such as Facebook, LinkedIN, and Twitter to leverage your traditional marketing strategies.
8. Get A Mentor ~ A coach, mentor, or success guide can provide valuable accountability, deadlines, and great insights to surefire success.
9. Make time for You ~ As a mompreneur, it is imperative that you schedule time to recharge and refresh yourself in order to bring balance and fun to your business. Spend time with loved ones, pursue your hobbies, and rest as much as you need. Your success has little meaning if it cannot be fully enjoyed.
10. Celebrate ~ Accomplishments take time; however, there are milestones that should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Most New Year’s Resolutions are abandoned or forgotten shortly thereafter set, and goal-setting is far more effective, yet we ought to still remember that achievement can only occur when you have a plan to act, and actually execute it.

If you haven’t yet learned about The Passion Test, please do. It is the proven effortless path to discovering your top priorities and the secret to taking consistent action to align with your life’s purpose.

What are YOUR professional goals for this year?

[ela]