by sistahsoldier | Aug 10, 2020 | Business, Entrepreneurship, Inspiredpreneurs
November is considered many things to most people. For most business owners, it’s the fourth quarter. It’s near the end of the year for goal-setters, and the average individual, another month. As you can see, closing out another year has a different meaning for everyone. Many times we look at life as if we expect to see the next day, and the visions we’ve had will work out without any participation or intentions from our efforts.
I remember when I had no clue what it meant to “create the future I desired” until I learned how to use S.M.A.R.T. Goals. Parts of my mind believed I needed to have permission to accomplish some of them. So, I didn’t attempt to try. Until one year, I noticed my status wasn’t any different than the year before. I had to figure out a different way to accomplish what I wanted or sit and watch years go by while my physical fitness goals, performance appraisals, and relationships would become stagnate. That was a game-changer! I realized I had to shift positions for things in my life to change. That’s when I learned how to become proactive in my career and life.
I use the following S.M.A.R.T. Goals principles and begin going in the direction I’d hoped.
Specific: What will you accomplish? What actions will you take?
Measurable: What data will measure the goal? How much? How well?
Achievable: Is the goal doable? Do you have the necessary skills and resources? How must you prepare yourself to accomplish your goals?
Relevant: How does the goal align with broader goals? Why is the result significant?
Timebound: What is the time frame for accomplishing the goal? Does the time allotted appear to be realistic?
It’s essential to understand the power of focus when creating goals. If you identify more than three at a time, it’s easier to get lost and discouraged. By choosing to be focused on less than three S.M.A.R.T. Goals at a time, you allow room for expansion and freedom to adapt.
Once you identify the top three things, you desire to work towards, write out the steps necessary to make it possible. Be intentional about the outcome you want to receive and further research the best method possible.
Find an accountability partner or someone you can trust to help you move along. Perhaps they’re willing to go on the journey with you, and the two of you succeed at the same time?
After you’ve accomplished that audacious goal, choose another, and start over again. Be sure to celebrate your success in achieving that physical fitness goal, receiving that outstanding performance appraisal, and ongoing relationship goals, you were strategically S.M.A.R.T. about attaining.
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by sistahsoldier | Aug 10, 2020 | Confidence
We are in difficult times, and there’s no room for passiveness. It’s time for the leader in you to show up and rescue yourself from unpreparedness! As a service member, we know what it’s like to stand up and take charge when needed or called to perform. We’ll this time, and you have to call yourself forward. We’re in an economy that’s not the same as it was two months ago.
Jobs are lost, and so is the ability to make money in traditional ways. So, it’s time for us to get creative. The things that we’ve been working hard for is at stake. So, we must stand up in our authenticity (whatever, that may look like). It’s a time when we have to find out what works for us as individuals and an opportunity to create the life we want.
The playing field is wide open.
But you can’t sit around having a pity-party. You must be intentional.
If you’ve been staying abreast of the news, you’ve since discovered that Americans have recently lost roughly 195 million jobs. The unemployment system has failed to accompany the millions of requests for compensation. Sadly, due to the circumstances, many of these jobs will not be returning. Restaurants closed, car dealerships are offering unique payment options (basically pay when you can type of deals), and department stores have furloughed employees. The Staffing Industry reports that at least 20% of CFO’s state they’re already under pressure to manage costs tightly and are sensing the opportunity and benefits of having a remote workforce. Those striving to utilize their ability to think outside of the box will implement and adjust their business idea for online usage. What type of service can you provide? What level of knowledge are you always sharing with others? Could that be one of your gifts? Perhaps, one that you can package and offer to someone remotely? Consider becoming an independent contractor and working remotely. As an independent contractor, you’ll provide your skillset to employers under remote working conditions. However, you call the shots. Being a contractor takes preparation, and you can have your business in operation within 3-5 weeks and be ready when the request begins to flow.
Not sure about contracting? Don’t cut yourself short by lining up for the shelters yet! These days, if you have a cell phone, a social media account, and a Paypal account, you can start a business. It’s not that difficult. Yes, there will be a learning curve, but we all have to start somewhere. Just start. The longer you wait, the longer the internet will be flooded with others who offer the same thing. Then, it may become difficult to find your services. I feel there’s no better time for the “real you to show up” because now we get to see the authentic you. The “passionate” you. The side of you that you’ve been too afraid to reveal to others, but because you’re in a corner, you must choose whether you will sink or swim. However, because I know you, you’ll decide to swim. I’m betting you will. Your survival skills will kick in, and you’ll do what’s necessary despite what it looks like because that’s who we are.
I intend to push you to be more and do more of what God has been asking you to do for a long time. Start utilizing your time wisely, create a plan, seek a mentor, and make it happen.
Get out there and share your gifts with the world.
Sistah Soldier is an inspirational leader who helps veterans, women, and minorities step into God’s call for their lives using their creative skills. She’s the CEO, Host, and Executive Producer of SHE VET iNSPIRES Television Show and the Executive Recruiter for SHE MediaTech ™.
