It’s amazing how far we’ve come since the challenging days of COVID-19. For many of us, especially here in South Africa, those times highlighted the importance of careful planning and a solid financial foundation. Looking back, it’s clear how much we learned about setting priorities and safeguarding our futures.

Have you ever found yourself wishing you had taken steps sooner to improve your situation, whether in your career, finances, or business ventures? It’s a tough feeling to realize that things could have been different if only you’d taken action earlier. I’ve been there too. That’s why I’m sharing my approach to goal-setting so you can start now and avoid future regret. And be sure to read to the end to grab my “Free VA RoadMap Guide”—a 10-page guide to launching your own Virtual Assistant business!

REFLECTING ON THIS YEAR

There’s no better time than now to reflect on the year so far. Instead of waiting for January, take advantage of the remaining months to course-correct and ensure you’re on track to avoid repeating any undesired situations next year. There’s still time to take meaningful steps toward your goals, so let’s dive in!

STEP ONE: MAKE TIME TO PLAN

Set aside dedicated time to go through this process. With all of life’s responsibilities, it can be hard to focus, so block out a few hours if necessary. Trust me, it’s time well spent.

WHY PLANNING IS ESSENTIAL

Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “The plan is useless; it’s the planning that’s important.” Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, having a roadmap gives you direction. With countless new businesses emerging every day, you need a solid plan to stand out. Without it, you may feel overwhelmed and lose sight of the goals that matter most.

“All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim, have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.” —Orison Swett Marden

THE LINK BETWEEN PLANNING & WORK-LIFE BALANCE

For years, I struggled to find balance, constantly reacting to problems instead of focusing on my goals. After experiencing burnout several times, I finally started limiting myself to three key goals each day. Planning has become one of my biggest keys to success, and I include both personal and business goals because they are so interconnected. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is essential, so I make sure to schedule it as part of my goals and routines.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

As a bit of a perfectionist, I used to over-commit and set way too many goals. Now, I recommend setting 3-5 big goals for the year and maybe 6-7 smaller ones. Choose goals that truly matter to you, and you’ll find it easier to achieve them without feeling overwhelmed.

COMMIT TO LEARNING

Learning is a big part of my routine, and I encourage you to make it part of yours. Whether it’s reading a book, listening to a podcast, or attending a workshop, continuous self-improvement is a common trait among successful entrepreneurs. According to Entrepreneur, 85% of self-made millionaires read two or more books each month. So, let’s keep learning! 🌺

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Once you’ve set your goals, break them down into tasks and track your progress. I recommend using project management tools like Asana or Trello. Checking off tasks along the way will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay motivated toward the bigger picture.

GET MY FREE 10-PAGE VA TOOLKIT

Ready to start planning and changing your future? Enter your details below to get my free VA Roadmap Guide, a practical guide to setting up your own Virtual Assistant business. Feel free to share your completed toolkit with me, and I’ll be happy to provide feedback or answer any questions.

You’ve got this! 🌟