Setting SMART Business Goals: A Simple Guide for Success in the New Year

The end of a year is a great time to reflect on the past twelve months and set goals for the upcoming year. For business owners, setting goals that you can achieve is a critical part of keeping your organization on track and achieving success in the long term. In this blog post, we will go through the steps you can take to plan your business goals for the new year.

Reflect on the Past Year:

Before you start setting new goals for your business, take some time to look back on the past year. What were your accomplishments? What goals did you not meet? What worked well, and what didn't? This reflection will help you to assess where your business stands and what areas need improvement. It can also help you identify any roadblocks or challenges you encountered in the previous year so you can work to address them moving forward.

Some examples of things you might reflect on include:

Sales: Did your business meet its sales targets for the year? If not, what contributed to that miss?

Customer satisfaction: How satisfied were your customers with your products or services? Were there any common complaints or issues that arose throughout the year?

Employee satisfaction: Were your employees happy with their jobs? Did you see high turnover rates or low engagement from your team?

Market trends: Were there any significant changes or developments in your industry? Did your business adapt to these changes or fall behind?

By looking back at these and other vital factors, you can get a sense of what you should focus on in the upcoming year.

Set SMART Goals:

Once you've reflected on the past year, it's time to set new goals for your business. When setting these goals, it's essential to ensure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

Specific: Your goals should be clearly defined and precise. Avoid vague phrases like "increase sales" or "grow the business." Instead, be clear about what you want to achieve, such as "increase sales by 10% in Q2."

Measurable: Your goals should be quantifiable so you can track your progress and assess whether you've achieved them. For example, "increase social media followers by 1000" is more measurable than "improve our social media presence."

Achievable: Be realistic about what you can achieve. While it's great to set ambitious goals, they should still be attainable, given your resources and constraints.

Relevant: Your goals should align with your overall business strategy and be pertinent to your industry and customers. If you're a software company, for example, "develop a new mobile app" might be more relevant than "create a line of physical products."

Time-Bound: Set a deadline for achieving your goals, whether that's by month, quarter, or year-end. This will help you to stay accountable and focused on achieving the goal within a specific timeframe.

Some examples of SMART goals for businesses might include:

Increase revenue by 15% in the upcoming fiscal year

Launch a new product line in Q2

Cut operating expenses by 10% by the end of the year

Improve customer satisfaction ratings by 20 by the end of Q3

Once you've set SMART goals, make sure everyone on your team is clear about what they are and what specific actions are needed to achieve them.

Prioritize Your Goals:

Being realistic about what can be accomplished in a given timeframe is important. Some goals may be more urgent or important than others, so you must prioritize them effectively. You might use a grid or chart to help you visualize which goals are high or low priority, or a ranking system where goals are assigned a number or letter (e.g. A/B/C, 1/2/3, etc.).

When prioritizing your goals, consider the following:

Alignment with overall strategy: Are your goals aligned with your business's overall strategy and mission?

Impact on business: Which goals will have the greatest impact on your business's success?

Resource availability: What resources (time, money, team members) do you have available to dedicate to each goal?

By prioritizing your goals, you'll ensure that your team's efforts and resources are being directed towards the most important objectives.

Break Down Goals Into Manageable Tasks:

Once you have established your overall goals and priorities, it's important to break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This process can help you identify the steps needed to achieve each goal and can make the goals feel more achievable and less daunting.

For example, if one of your goals is to "increase website traffic by 25%," some of the manageable tasks involved might be:

Conduct keyword research and optimize website copy accordingly

Develop a content marketing plan and calendar

Increase social media presence and engagement

By breaking down your goals into tasks, you'll also be able to allocate these tasks to specific team members or departments, so everyone knows what they need to work on.

Involve Your Team:

Goals don't just come from the top down - involving your team in the goal-setting process is also important. By asking for input and ideas, you'll help your team feel more invested in the success of the business and you may also uncover opportunities for innovation and growth that you otherwise wouldn't have thought of.

Here are some ways you might involve your team in setting business goals:

Hold a group brainstorming session to generate ideas and goals

Ask team members to suggest areas where the business could improve

Provide team members with a list of proposed goals and ask for their feedback and input

By involving your team, you'll make sure that everyone is on the same page and feels motivated to work towards the goals.

Review and Revise Regularly:

Lastly, it's important to stay flexible and adaptable as you work towards your goals. Your business environment and circumstances might change throughout the year, and adjusting your goals and plans is important.

Make sure to regularly review your progress towards your goals and assess whether you need to make any changes. Do this on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis, depending on the scale and length of your goals.

If you find that you're not on track to reach a goal or that the goal is no longer a priority, don't be afraid to revise it or even scrap it altogether. It's better to be agile and adapt to change than to be rigid and stick to a plan that's no longer working.

Conclusion:

Setting business goals for the new year is critical to the success of any organization. By reflecting on the past year, setting SMART goals that align with your business strategy, prioritizing effectively, breaking down goals into manageable tasks, involving your team, and regularly reviewing and revising, you'll be well on your way to achieving success in the upcoming year.

Want a professional small business coach to help you plan your small business success? Click Here.

If you are ready to talk to one of the top-rated small business coaches centrally located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States, CLICK HERE to chat or CLICK HERE to call us at 405-919-9990 today!

Why Partnerships Fail And How A Small Business Coach Can Lead The Way To Success

Business partnerships have emerged as a promising avenue for growth, innovation, and shared achievements in the intricate landscape of business success. However, the stark reality is that not all small business partnerships flourish; many crumble due to various challenges. To navigate the complexity of why partnerships fail, dissecting the key factors contributing to their downfall is essential. 

In this exploration, we will deep dive into the core reasons why partnerships fail, shedding light on each facet while offering insights into cultivating partnerships that stand the test of time. Additionally, we'll explore how the guidance of a small business coach can provide invaluable assistance in mitigating these pitfalls.

If you want to quickly decide if a business partner is a missing piece to your success puzzle, learn more about our affordable online course, “Are Two Heads Better Than One? Unlock The Key To Deciding If A Business Partnership Is A Missing Piece For Your Business Success.”

1 - Misaligned Goals and Visions: The Crucial Foundation

Partnerships often commence with high hopes and ambitious visions. However, the absence of aligned goals can unravel even the most promising alliances. For instance, consider a scenario where a tech startup partners with an established corporation. Conflicts can arise due to incongruent trajectories if the startup envisions rapid innovation while the corporation prioritizes stability. Such discord in direction fosters resentment and sows the seeds of failure as conflicting expectations chip away at the partnership's foundation.

A skilled small business coach can help bridge this gap by facilitating goal-setting sessions that align with the partners' visions. They can mediate discussions and guide the partners in identifying common objectives, ensuring a solid foundation for collaboration.

2 - Lack of Clear Communication: The Silent Eroder

Effective communication serves as the bedrock of any successful partnership. When communication falters, misunderstandings and missed opportunities arise. Partners who assume rather than converse are at risk of nurturing silent resentments. Picture this: one partner believes the other will handle a critical marketing campaign, leading to a missed deadline and loss of opportunities.

A small business coach can conduct workshops on effective communication strategies, teaching partners to express their ideas clearly and actively listen to each other. Business partners can refine their communication skills through role-playing exercises and real-world examples, enhancing the overall partnership dynamic.

3 - Unequal Contributions and Efforts: The Imbalance Dilemma

Partnerships thrive on mutual effort and balanced contributions. However, the scales tip precariously when one business partner shoulders a disproportionate load regarding resources, responsibilities, or dedication. This imbalance breeds mistrust and undermines the very essence of collaboration. Imagine a scenario where one partner contributes most of the financial investment but expects the other partner to handle most of the workload.

A small business coach can assist in negotiating fair terms, ensuring that contributions are proportional and clearly defined. Their expertise in business dynamics can guide business partners in determining a balance that reflects their respective strengths and capabilities.

4 - Incompatible Cultures and Values: A Fractured Alliance

Divergent cultures and conflicting values can act as poison to business partnerships. Consider a situation where one business partner values transparency while the other prioritizes confidentiality. This incongruence extends to decision-making styles, communication approaches, and strategic approaches. The resulting friction can derail even the most well-intentioned collaborations.

A small business coach can facilitate workshops exploring business partner organizations' cultural values. The coach empowers business partners to navigate potential cultural clashes more effectively by identifying common ground and creating strategies to manage differences.

5 - Failure to Adapt and Evolve: The Stagnation Pitfall

In the dynamic business landscape, business partnerships must evolve to remain relevant. Failure to adapt to shifting market dynamics, technological advancements, or changing customer preferences leads to stagnation. Embracing change and staying nimble is critical for partnership longevity.

A small business coach with industry insights can guide business partners in identifying emerging trends and adapting their strategies accordingly. They provide an external perspective that aids in recognizing areas where adjustments are necessary for sustained success.

6 - Financial Disputes and Mismanagement: The Monetary Quagmire

Monetary disputes can swiftly unravel business partnerships. Disagreements over financial contributions, profit distribution, and investment decisions sow discord. Partners must create clear financial agreements, maintain transparency, and foster a shared fiscal vision to ensure the partnership's resilience.

A small business coach experienced in financial management can help business partners develop comprehensive financial plans that outline contributions, profit sharing, and investment strategies. Setting these parameters upfront significantly reduces the likelihood of financial disputes.

7 - Lack of Defined Roles and Responsibilities: The Ambiguity Abyss

The ambiguity surrounding roles and responsibilities leads to chaos within business partnerships. Partners grappling with undefined roles are prone to confusion and blame-shifting. Clear delineation of tasks, obligations, and decision-making authority is vital for a harmonious collaborative rhythm.

A small business coach can facilitate role-definition sessions, where partners outline their strengths and preferences. By matching these to specific roles, business partners enter the partnership with a clear understanding of their responsibilities and how they contribute to the overall success.

8 - Changing Market Conditions: The Unpredictability Factor

Business partnerships unprepared for external disruptions are vulnerable. Economic downturns, regulatory shifts, or sudden market changes can undermine even the most promising collaborations. Partners must remain adaptable, ready to pivot in response to unforeseen challenges.

Armed with industry expertise, a small business coach can guide business partners in scenario planning and risk mitigation. By anticipating potential challenges, partners can develop contingency plans that allow them to navigate unexpected shifts in the market.

9 - Ego and Power Struggles: The Collaboration Killer

Ego-driven power struggles can dismantle business partnerships. When personal agendas overshadow shared goals, conflicts ensue. Successful partnerships require prioritizing collective objectives and minimizing personal ego.

A small business coach can facilitate conflict resolution workshops, equipping partners with tools to address ego-driven disputes constructively. By fostering a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect, the coach helps partners overcome personal barriers to collaboration.

Conclusion

A roadmap to small business partnership success emerges as we unveil the intricate landscape of why partnerships fail. Navigating through misaligned goals, communication breakdowns, and other pitfalls allows us to build enduring and thriving partnerships. Learning from failures gives us the tools to construct robust collaborations rooted in effective communication, mutual understanding, and equilibrium.

Are you ready to unravel the secrets of successful business partnerships and sidestep the pitfalls of failure with the guidance of a seasoned small business coach? 

Immerse yourself in our comprehensive online course, a treasure trove of insights into the intricacies of why partnerships fail. 

Gain the knowledge and strategies necessary to foster enduring, fruitful alliances. 

Embark on this transformative journey now and seize the opportunity to cultivate partnerships that weather challenges and emerge stronger. 

With the support of a small business coach, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the business partnership landscape with confidence and expertise.

If you are ready to talk to one of the top-rated small business coaches centrally located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States, CLICK HERE to chat or CLICK HERE to call us at 405-919-9990 today!

Finding The Right Business Coach For Your Small Business Success: Expert Tips And Outcomes To Expect

As a small business owner, it's natural to seek guidance and support to enhance the growth and success of your venture. However, the business coaching industry is saturated with individuals claiming to be experts without the necessary qualifications or experience. This abundance of unqualified small business coaches has left some entrepreneurs disillusioned and skeptical about the effectiveness of business coaching as a whole. 

In this article, we will discuss the essential steps you can take to find the right small business coach who can positively impact your business's success.

1 - Define Your Goals and Needs:

Before embarking on the search for a small business coach, clearly understanding your goals and needs is crucial. Reflect on the specific areas in which you require guidance and support. Are you struggling with marketing and sales? Do you need help with strategic planning or leadership development? Identifying your needs will help you find a coach with expertise in the areas that align with your small business challenges.

2 - Look for Relevant Experience:

One of the primary criteria for selecting a small business coach is their relevant experience. A coach with hands-on experience as a successful entrepreneur or business leader can provide invaluable insights and practical advice. Look for small business coaches with a track record of building and scaling small businesses. They will have firsthand knowledge of your challenges and can guide you through potential obstacles. Ask questions!

A few example questions are:

Have you owned a business other than your consulting practice?

What product or service did they offer?

How many have you owned?

Were they successful?

How much annual revenue did they generate?

How many employees did you lead in your biggest company?

Do you follow a specific business coaching framework?

3 - Seek Recommendations and Referrals:

Remember to consider the power of word-of-mouth recommendations when searching for a small business coach. Reach out to fellow entrepreneurs, business networks, or industry associations for referrals. Ask for specific feedback regarding the coach's expertise, approachability, and ability to adapt to unique situations. A referral from a trusted source significantly increases the likelihood of finding a reliable and competent business coach.

4 - Evaluate Coaching Style and Approach:

Every small business coach has a unique coaching style and approach. Schedule introductory calls or meetings with potential coaches to understand their methodologies. A good coach should fit your personality, communication style, and learning preferences well. Ask about their coaching process, whether it involves a structured framework or a more flexible approach. Find a coach who can adapt their strategies to your specific needs and can provide personalized guidance.

5 - Assess Communication and Rapport:

Effective communication and a strong rapport are essential for a successful coaching relationship. During your initial interactions with prospective coaches, pay attention to how they listen, respond, and engage with you. A skilled business coach should be an active listener, empathetic, and able to ask insightful questions. Their communication style should encourage open dialogue, trust, and collaboration.

6 - Request Testimonials and Case Studies:

To gain further insights into a coach's effectiveness, ask for testimonials or search their Google business page for testimonials from past clients or case studies that showcase their success stories. Genuine testimonials can provide evidence of a coach's ability to drive positive outcomes and deliver tangible results. Look for testimonials highlighting the coach's expertise in problem-solving, strategic planning, or small business growth, depending on your specific needs. Check out our testimonials here.

7 - Discuss Expectations and Boundaries:

Before committing to a business coaching relationship, have a candid discussion about expectations, boundaries, and the terms of engagement. Clearly define the frequency and duration of coaching sessions, the mode of communication, and the financial arrangements. Discuss the coach's availability and commitment to your success. This conversation will help establish a mutual understanding and ensure a productive coaching experience.

Finding the right small business coach can be a transformative experience for your small business. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of selecting a qualified and competent business coach who understands your unique challenges and can guide you toward success. 

Remember, a skilled business coach with relevant experience, strong communication skills, and a personalized approach can make all the difference in helping you overcome obstacles, maximize your potential, and achieve your small business goals.

What To Expect From A Small Business Coach

Small business owners can expect several valuable contributions to their entrepreneurial journey when engaging with a business coach. Here are some key expectations that small business owners should have from their business coaches:

1 - Expert Guidance and Industry Insights: 

A competent business coach brings in-depth knowledge and expertise to the table. They offer guidance on various aspects of running a small business, such as strategic planning, marketing, sales, finance, operations, and human resources. They can provide insights into industry trends, best practices, and proven strategies to help small business owners make informed decisions and navigate challenges effectively.

2 - Objective Perspective and Feedback: 

A business coach serves as an objective third party who can offer a fresh perspective on your business. They can provide:

• Honest feedback and constructive criticism.

• Highlighting blind spots.

• Identifying areas for improvement.

• Challenging your assumptions.

Their objective viewpoint helps you see your small business from a different angle, enabling you to make necessary adjustments and enhance your decision-making process.

3 - Accountability and Goal Setting: 

A business coach helps small business owners set clear goals and holds them accountable for achieving those goals. They assist in defining measurable objectives, breaking them down into actionable steps, and creating a roadmap to success. A coach can monitor your progress, provide support, and help you stay on track, ensuring that you follow through with your plans and make consistent strides toward your desired outcomes.

4 - Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Support: 

Running a small business involves facing numerous challenges and making critical decisions along the way. A business coach acts as a trusted advisor, helping you navigate complex situations and solve problems effectively. They can provide frameworks, tools, and methodologies to analyze and address challenges, enabling you to make informed decisions that align with your business objectives.

5 - Personal and Professional Development: 

Beyond the business aspect, a business coach can support your personal and professional growth as a small business owner. They can help you identify and leverage your strengths, enhance your leadership skills, and build self-confidence. They may provide guidance on time management, work-life balance, and stress management, ensuring that you are equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive as an entrepreneur.

6 - Tailored Strategies and Action Plans: 

A skilled business coach recognizes that every small business is unique. They understand that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Therefore, they develop tailored strategies and action plans that suit your specific business needs, goals, and challenges. A coach should be flexible and adaptable, adjusting their methodologies to accommodate your individual circumstances and ensuring that the guidance provided aligns with your business's vision and values.

7 - Support in Overcoming Obstacles: 

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and overcoming obstacles can sometimes feel daunting. A small business coach acts as a supportive partner, helping you navigate through tough times, offering encouragement, and providing guidance when faced with setbacks. They can assist in developing resilience, offering solutions, and motivating you to persevere during challenging phases of your business.

It's important to note that while a business coach can provide valuable guidance and support, the ultimate responsibility for implementing strategies and achieving small business success rests with the small business owner. The coaching relationship should be built on mutual trust, open communication, and a commitment to collaboration to ensure the best possible outcomes for the business.

If you are ready to talk to one of the top-rated small business coaches centrally located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the United States, CLICK HERE to chat or CLICK HERE to call us at 405-919-9990 today!

Why Understanding Your Core Values Is A Game-Changer In Business And Life

Have you ever been hesitant to make a decision because something doesn't feel right?

Have you ever made a decision and then immediately regretted it because you feel uncomfortable? 

Have you ever made a decision that you feel good about, but your partner or friend feels uneasy about it? 

The reason for those uneasy feelings? It's typically your gut feeling telling you something does not align with your guiding principles.

Your guiding principles are also why you might feel good about a situation, and those around you may not feel the same. Your guiding principles do not align.

So what are your guiding principles? Guiding principles are your core values.

Core values are defined as: a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life. 

(Value definition provided by Google. Google’s English dictionary is provided by Oxford Languages.)

Your values are emotional driving blocks that lead you to build a better life. Understanding your core values can be a game-changer for your success in business and life. 

Here are a few areas in business and life that you can benefit from by understanding your top three core values. Following is a values assessment where you can quickly discover your top three core values.

CORE VALUES DRIVE YOUR SUCCESS

With the hustle and bustle in business and life, it is easy to lose sight of your initial objectives.

Often we forget to spend time on the things that matter most. 

Understanding your core values assist you in defining what is important to you and what areas of business and life you need to be focused on. 

We succeed when we keep a clear eye upon the prize.

For example, if one of your core values is personal freedom: your overall goal should be to know when to say yes or when to say no to opportunities that may cut into your schedule of commitments that affect your objectives.

When you understand your core values, you will pause and ask yourself if this will be the best use of your time to contribute to your success.

CORE VALUES HELP YOU MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

When you are the boss of your time, you can take the day off and go play golf whenever you want! You can revel in your success and take a break anytime.

But, is this the best use of your time?

By understanding your core values, you are better equipped to hold yourself accountable for what matters most. You will find that accountability is an excellent motivator for getting things done, make better decisions, and stay true to your objectives. 

It also helps you judge your actions clearly and honestly. Regular, honest self-assessment can propel you towards more productivity in achieving the goals you want to achieve. 

CORE VALUES AFFECT RELATIONSHIPS

If things of value to you do not match in a relationship or with a business partner, then the best thing to do is move on, or it will most likely fail down the road if there is not a compromise. 

Some things can be worked out and agreed upon, and other things cannot. 

For example, if you are in a personal relationship and are adamant about wanting children and your other half does not at all, then it is best to break it off and continue seeking a partner that does. 

If you were to go ahead and take the plunge with these values misaligned, then your relationship will more than likely come to an end at some point. 

People can change in some areas, but individual values don't. It's just in our DNA.

In business, an example is that you are in a business partnership. You are committed to working "on" the business and not "in" the business, and your partner feels otherwise. It is best not to enter into the business partnership or find a way to end your current partnership amicably. 

If values are not aligned in relationships, there will always be confrontations like who wants this or that, or who works more or less here and there. This will result in communication breakdowns, eventually causing uncomfortable tension in the future.

DISCOVER YOUR TOP THREE CORE VALUES NOW

After years of study, Michael D Morrison Enterprises has created a "Values Assessment" exercise. This exercise will assist you in discovering your core values in a matter of minutes, allowing you to make quicker decisions that drive your success in business and life.

Get your FREE "Values Assessment" by emailing michael@michaeldmorrison.com and putting "Values Assessment" in the subject line.

Are you ready to achieve success quicker by discovering your core values? Book a discovery call with Michael Morrison today.

How To Get Out Of A Funk

Remember how normal things were before the year 2020? Yeah, I don't either.

Like many this year, I have found myself in a bit of a funk from time to time.

These days, it seems that just when things begin to stabilize, another unforeseen event creates a new ocean of uncharted waters. 

The unforeseen creates turbulence that is disrupting our confidence in our plans like never before.

So, it is valid and understandable why so many of us get in a funk from time to time as worldly ways continue to throw us curveballs. Here are a few simple tricks to turn that frown upside down in just a matter of minutes.

If your circumstance is extreme, waste no time reaching out to resources like MentalHealth.gov or The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Here are a few tips we've found to be helpful to get out of a funk. Consider these if you are looking for inspiration to move you forward from a short season of funk.

Schedule It

With unprecedented times, comes uncertainty. 

Do you see anything exciting on your calendar in the near future? For most, the answer is no. Most destination trips, concerts, special events, etc. have been canceled or postponed indefinitely.

Before the CoronaVirus, our calendars looked like pieces of art with various colors highlighting numerous activities as well as the anticipated Paid Time Off for our destiny vacation.

Today, many social calendars look like a blank white canvas eager for a special event to take up space.

Often, joy and meaning is the hope we have for the future.

So, if we do not see anything exciting to look forward to in our future, we unknowingly will fall into a funk.

Schedule something exciting in your social calendar every couple of weeks to look forward to even if it is small.

Examples could be a hiking trip on Saturday with the kids, a drive-in movie, organizing digital pictures from all of your devices and installing on a digital frame for the family to enjoy, take a virtual trip with a friend, schedule a recurring time to learn a musical instrument, plan a mountain biking trip, schedule an online cooking course, schedule time to write a book, learn a new dance style, schedule an unplanned road trip, take time to train and spend time with your dog, and so much more. 

Get creative and schedule small things that will get you excited to look forward to soon and often!

Unplug

Online platforms are addicting! Studies have shown that social media leads people into depression and a funk.

Addiction to digital connections is also causing many to drift from healthy human interactions into an unhealthy funk.

We do not need statistics to tell us that we need to disconnect. But, we do need reminders about why it is important to disconnect.

Here are just a couple of reminders why it is essential to unplug for extended periods:

Today, social media feeds leave many people with thoughts of envy or jealousy from others posting what appears to be a more comfortable life. Leading us into a funk that our life is not exciting or good enough. In reality, most users are posting nothing more than kodak moments, and their life is typically more chaotic than ours.

Unplug from all news for a minimum of 1 month, and you will improve your health and feel better. If you have not figured it out by now, the news is not even close to what is happening in the real world. Consistently checking in on the news is detrimental to your mental and physical health. 

Digital distraction, if unrestricted, can make us numb. Numerous studies show that Internet addiction can be as addictive and harmful as cocaine, alcohol, and other dangerous substances. 

Just unplugging from these two alone will quickly get you out of a funk.

Spontaneity 

A common reason people get in a funk is boredom. When our surroundings do not change often, we get stuck in a rut leaving us in a funk.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to become hostages within their own homes for extended periods leaving very little room for spontaneity.

Others are in a funk because they are stuck in a relationship, a lousy job, or caring for an elderly loved one day-to-day, and their life has become mundane.

Structure in our life is good for personal development, but too much of the same thing every day can leave us unmotivated and uninspired. Change your routine. Many people do not like change, but change is inevitable to get out of a funk. 

Examples of spontaneity could be taking a different route to work, mow on Thursday evening rather than the usual Saturday morning, take an unplanned road trip, discover new music to listen to in the car, go for a walk, read a book by the lake, go on a nature walk at lunch instead of with co-workers, call a loved one you don't talk to often, try a different food you've never tried before, try something you are scared of, or try a new sporting event.

Get creative! Spontaneity activities vary from person to person. By doing something different today, tomorrow, and the following day's you will quickly find yourself inspired to add more spice to your life, and you'll be out of your funk in no time.

How to Get Out of a Funk

We all get in a rut from time to time, as it is a normal part of life. If you are in a funk, try one of the activities listed to change things up. Changing things up is often the key enough to getting us out of a funk.

Are you ready to explore other self-development strategies to succeed in business and life? Book a discovery call with Michael Morrison today.

How To Set Goals That You're Actually Going To Achieve

If you've ever set a goal in January only to fizzle out by February or March, you know that achieving goals is harder than it sounds. In fact, 80% of people fail to keep their new year's resolutions. 

But don't throw in the towel just yet. In this article, you will learn how to set goals that work. You'll understand the difference between the way you set goals in the past and the better way to do it moving forward.

Read on! 

Take a Good Long Look at Your Life

The best way to succeed in reaching your goals is to start by taking stock.

You need to evaluate where you are in life. Look at each area in your life: relationships, finances, career, health, wellness, creativity, and so on.

Be completely honest with yourself. It might help to do an assessment or write down how satisfied you are in each area on a scale of 1 to 10.

Then look over your findings. What areas need improvements? What parts of your life are you unsatisfied with?

Answering these questions will help you start from where you really are. Then, you are more like to make goals that are attainable and realistic because you aren't under delusions that will cause you to fail.

Once you have goals in place, you will be on your way to moving towards a life you love in every aspect. 

Imagine the Best Case Scenario 

Taking stock of your life can be shocking and discouraging. But don't worry. The next thing you will do is imagine an overarching vision for how you want your life to be.

Setting goals without having a clear idea of what you want your life to look like afterward makes you less likely to succeed. By cementing that vision in your mind, you know exactly what you're working towards.

Let's look at some examples. Some people set goals like go to the gym three times a week or lose 40 pounds. But that doesn't motivate you because you don't have a vision for what life will be like once you reach that goal.

Instead, imagine a life where you run a 10K race every 6 months and go for long hikes with your dog each week. Imagine that each Saturday you join other rowing enthusiasts on the lake and practice for a rowing competition.

That vision can do a lot to carry you as you force yourself to the gym three times a week. 

Consider the key areas of your life—health, relationships, finance, career, personal/ spiritual development. Then write down your vision for each category.

Put everything down! This is the time to dream big! 

Set SMART Goals

You've probably heard of SMART goals before. This acronym stands for “specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based.”

Non-smart goals are little more than wishes. "I want to lose 15 pounds or I want to earn six figures" don't tell you how you will do it or when.

Instead, a smart goal would be, I want to lose one pound a week by eating clean and exercising every day so that I can lose 15 pounds by Christmas.

A big part of how to set goals and achieve them is to break large goals into smaller pieces. When you do this, the goal is still clear yet it is also within reach. 

One pound a week feels much more manageable than 15.

Also, achieving the smaller (in this case weekly) goals gives you a confidence boost. Then you feel motivated to push forward to the next step.

If your goal is large, see if you can break it down to quarterly goals. Let's say that you want to get a better job that pays X amount by next year. 

Break that goal into quarterly items you can do. On that list might be updating your resume, taking training courses to refresh your skillset. 

Then the second quarter might include interview prep skills and practice interviews. The third and fourth quarter might include applying to jobs and expanding your network.

Once you have your quarterly goals mapped out. Break those down into weekly goals. If you want to apply to 50 jobs a quarter, you can break that down to 12 a week.

Set Goals in Writing

This is crucial when you want to learn how to set goals.

Just the act of writing down a goal makes it real and tangible. It also matters how you write it. 

Avoid phrases like "I will try to..." Instead, choose powerful action words like "I will..."

Put that written goal where you can see it multiple times a day. Perhaps on your bathroom mirror, or on your computer screen, or on the fridge. 

Plan Your Behavior 

Research shows that you are two or three times more likely to stick to a goal if you have a specific plan for when, where, and how you will do the behavior you want.

This ties in closely to setting SMART goals. In one study, researchers asked people to fill in this sentence: “During the next week, I will partake in at least 20 minutes of vigorous exercise on [DAY] at [TIME OF DAY] at/in [PLACE].”

What they found is that those who completed that sentence were up to three times more likely to do the exercise compared to those who set a goal but didn't make specific plans.

In psychology, these plans are called  “implementation intentions.” They outline when, where, and how you intend to implement a certain action.

You can use this technique for everything you want to change in your life. From improving your grades to being able to quit smoking.

Habit Stacking 

Another way to learn how to set goals in life is to pair your new habit with something you already do. This is called habit stacking. All you have to do is decide that you will do your new habit before or after an existing daily habit.

For example: After I pour my morning cup of coffee, I will meditate for five minutes using my meditation app.

If you are on the hunt for a better job, your habit stacking might look like this. After I come back from my lunch break, I will send out one email to someone in my network.

This is really an easy way to get into the routine of your chosen goal. If you are someone who easily forgets things, this is a great tool for you.

Also, if you are a creature of habit, you will find this technique makes it easy to start changing the way you live your life.

Habits are the little know secret for success. Fine-tune yours and watch your life change.

Align Your Goals With Your Values

This step often naturally happens after you write down your vision for each area of your life. Yet, it's worth explaining it fully.

If you set a goal that doesn't align with your core values, it will be an uphill battle each step of the way. Some people can push past that resistance and accomplish it, but many of us can't.

Also, you may not realize that this is the reason why you find it almost impossible.

Ask yourself if your goals fit into the values that you hold close. Goals that you set because you think you should won't motivate you.

It is vital that your goals line up with who you are and especially who you want to be. Perhaps you want to be a great leader because of the powerful effect leaders have had on your life. 

Remember, goal setting is so personal. Goals aren't just something that can be borrowed or passed around from friends and family members.

You have to set goals that work for you.  

Make Sure You Have a Floor

Most people when setting goals are very clear about what they want to accomplish.

But what about when you have a terrible cold or a migraine? What about the days when your kids are acting out and so you have a bad sleep? What happens when you are on a family road trip or on a business trip?

Real life happens. It's not always easy to reach the goal when life gets in the way.

But instead of feeling like a failure or giving up, there is a perfect solution.

When you set a goal, consider that your ceiling.

For example, go for a 5-mile run every day. Great, that's your ceiling. Now you need a floor. 

The floor is the bare minimum that you could do even if everything conspires against you such as in the examples above.

If your kids are sick and you are on vacation and you have a headache - what is possible and doable on that day? Probably you can't run 5 miles that day.

But can you speed walk around your block? Or can you lace up your running shoes and at least jog to the mailbox and back?

The floor will be different for everyone. But it is what you know you can do no matter what.

Then, try to get those 5 miles whenever possible. But on days when it just isn't possible, you do your floor. 

Having a floor means you didn't fail and you are still working towards your end goal.

How to Set Goals That Work 

There you have it! A detailed guide on how to set goals that work.

We hope that this article has given you the confidence to know that it is possible to achieve your goals. It is possible to change your life.

Now you know how.

Are you ready to explore what possibilities are out there for you? Book a discovery call with Michael Morrison today. 

3 Easy Steps To Eliminating A Bad Habit!

Have you ever wondered how or why you developed a habit? And how or why a practice became good or bad? Or how and why is it so difficult to break bad habits and so challenging to instill good habits?

Most of the time, bad habits are simply an outlet from stress or boredom. Nail biting, snacking, procrastinating, smoking, drinking, any of this hit home? Bad habits typically happen when our subconscious mind is relieved from a stressful situation or boredom and taken to a place of imaginary peace.

Good habits often take time and a massive amount of focus. This focus puts pressure on our brains, which have roughly over 100 billion nerve cells, trying to process and form over a trillion connections in response to the world. Understanding the trigger points is essential to understanding how to break bad habits.  

In 3 easy steps, let’s begin eliminating your bad habits one at a time.

Recognize That You Have A Bad Habit

First and foremost, we should recognize why habits, good or bad, even form. Habits form because our brain, although powerful, cannot handle the trillions of synapses that are processed. Synapses are transmitters processing every bit of information we receive through smell, hearing, touching, and tasting. So, our brain helps us out by conditioning or training our response to repeated information by forming repeated behaviors.

Not all habits are bad. Patterns are only harmful when they create a negative response from our behavior. Negative patterns take on many forms, such as poor health, consistent tardiness, broken relationships, and an escalated form of depression.

It would be best if you first recognized the difference between your habits, as to whether they are good or bad, then making a list of your top 3 bad habits and prioritize them in numerical order. List the bad practice that is affecting you the most negatively, first.

The first step in eliminating or changing a bad habit is simply recognition. Recognizing that we have a terrible habit and that we want to remove it will help us diagnose the root of the problem.

Diagnose The Root Of The Problem

Numerous studies report that it takes anywhere from 18 to 300 plus days to rewire the brain to eliminate bad habits. The number of times or days to rewire the brain is only relevant to the individual with the bad habit. 

If you are trying to quit smoking and no one else in your household smokes, then the temptation to light up every day will be very minimal than to someone that lives with a smoker who is not ready to give it up. Eliminating bad habits is not based on some given days, but is based on each individual’s surroundings and circumstances.

There is typically a trigger or a pattern that leads to a bad habit. A responsive action began due to boredom or stress, and our subconscious mind recognized a negative/non-difficult response to repeat. Identifying the root of the problem, the trigger if you will, should be the primary focus and not the number of days it takes to kick a bad habit. 

The second step to eliminating a bad habit is to keep a log of every time you carry out the bad habit and write down what triggered your action. Recognize the trigger. 

Replace The Root Of The Problem With A Positive Behavior

Before successfully rewiring our brain to eliminate a bad habit, we must first recognize the bad habit and diagnose the root of the problem or the event that triggers our negative behavior. If the bad habit is distractions that keep you from a productive lifestyle, then turn off all electronic devices while focusing on completing a project. If the bad habit is mindlessly surfing the internet, leaving you with feelings of depression, always have a good book at your side focused on self-improvement. If the bad habit is overeating, buy food that is high in protein like boiled eggs or avocados so that it fills you up faster.

To eliminate bad habits, we must replace the bad habit with a positive behavior that will soon override the repeated pattern over some time.

Closing

Many experts have found that it can take as little as 18 days or as many as 200 to eliminate bad habits. There is no magic answer; it is based solely on the ease and convenience of what we are trying to accomplish.

Bad habits are easy to form; it takes our mind away to another place. Good habits are difficult to create because our minds must be sharp and focused on establishing a pattern. To eliminate harmful practices, you must recognize, diagnose, and replace repeated behaviors with a strategic plan.

Learn Before You Earn And 3 Reasons Why

It is nearly impossible to build an automobile engine if you do not know how to make an automobile engine. It is almost impossible to perform open-heart surgery if you do not know how to perform open-heart surgery. It is nearly impossible to be a multi-millionaire if you do not know how to be a multi-millionaire.

It is nearly impossible to be successful at anything unless you first learn what it is you want to be successful in doing. You must learn before you earn. Learning always comes before Earning, and the only scenario this does not apply is in the dictionary alphabetically. You must also understand three reasons why learning before earning is the key to your success.

 Others Will Define You If You Don’t

The Merriam-Webster definition of define is: to determine or identify the essential qualities or meaning of. What defines you? Better yet, who defines you?

It is human nature that we categorize, label, or define those around us by classifying people as rich, poor, smart, challenged, weak, strong, successful, struggling, big, little, blue-collar, white-collar and so on. We are all guilty of it from time to time because we are human. We define others, and the flip side to that is, others define us. Refusing to believe that your peers have defined you would be doing yourself a great disservice, trust me, you have been defined.

Unfortunately, many of us begin to believe our capabilities are limited to what others have defined or decided about us. If those around us do not think we are creative, then our internal creative process becomes limited because we do not believe we have it within ourselves. We believe what others have led us to think because we have no other affirmation, nothing telling us any differently.

Growing up, I experienced this type of definement first hand. Early on in my childhood, several teachers shared concerns with my parents because they noticed a timid, quiet behavior from me. They suggested to my parents that maybe some therapy would be good. The therapist I went to asked me to draw my family. I am the literal type, so I drew my family, which consisted of a father, mother, and two brothers. In front of my parents, the therapist asked if I had finished drawing, and I confidently said yes. He wondered why I was not in the picture, and I told him because you asked me to draw my family. I drew all of them. He did not say your family and you. 

The therapist defined my behavior as a lack of self-esteem. And from that point forward, guess what, I had a lack of self-confidence. It was not until I decided that only I could define myself, that things started to change for me. I researched and learned the things I wanted to be, and that made me more confident. I had to teach myself the things that I wanted to know in order to be successful. And you have to do the same. 

Truth be told, my quiet and timid behavior had nothing to do with self-esteem in the beginning. To this day, I absorb everything around me quietly. I study people and read people. This behavior, and asset, has served me well in all of my many ventures.  

It is vital that you learn and genuinely know how you want to be defined. If you do not, others will do it for you. And I can assure you they will limit your full potential. You have to define yourself. No one believes more in you than you do! Once you know and understand this, it can be one of your most excellent tools.

 Emotions Do Not Make Good Decisions

This past year I had a significant, life-changing career decision to make. I struggled daily, leaning from one choice to the other. It drove me insane for months because, within twenty-four hours of making a decision, my emotions would change so drastically. Hours of research on the internet could not even help me make a firm decision on this one.

A book by Andy Stanley, “Ask It,” put it all in perspective. His book claims there is one question that will revolutionize how you make decisions. His claim is accurate. As I finished reading the last page of his book, immediately, my life-changing career decision was made. 

The question you ask? Don’t read the next sentence if you don’t want a spoiler. The question he proposes is, “In light of your past experiences, current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for you to do in order to avoid regret in this area of life?”

It quickly dawned on me why I had been on both sides of the fence for so long. Before reading this book, my decision-making process was based purely on my current emotions. The emotions I was presented and processing with each day. This life-changing question solely based on facts and not feelings. I am not saying you should make unwise decisions based on the opposite of regret, but don’t hesitate to do something out of fear of failure. Moving forward, when you solely base your learning and decisions on facts and not emotions, you will be successful.

What does this have anything to do with first learning to earn, you ask? So many people have no clarity in what they need to do to reach their full potential. They wake up every day and let the day’s emotions decide their actions and tasks. They don’t know what they don’t know. Successful people know what they are going to do before their eyes open every morning. They do this by learning facts that provide clarity in their decision-making process, leaving the emotions out of it. Emotions can build a business as quickly as they can tear it down. Knowing when feelings should be followed is the key to success. Be emotional about what you are passionate about. The actual business decisions shouldn’t have emotion involved.

 You Will Earn Only As Much As You Want To Learn

Ever heard someone say I wish I could sing? Or, I wish I could draw? Or, I wish I could get a better paying job? Or, I wish… Yeah, me too. Well, let me tell you something. They are full of that dark stuff that comes out the back end of most mammals.

If someone truly wants to sing, they will invest their money and time by finding a vocalist to teach them to sing. Or if they want to be an artist for a career, they will spend their time and resources at their local college. If they genuinely wanted to get a better paying job, they would invest their time and resources in changing their career path.

Yes, you must indeed learn before you earn. But, you will only earn what you are willing to invest in yourself and nothing more. If you are questioning whether you really want to be a millionaire, you will know the answer quickly by how much time and resources you invest in learning to be a millionaire.

If you want to be a millionaire, learn how to be a millionaire before you earn it, or you will fail. Lottery winners prove this point time and time again. They win a vast multi-million-dollar fortune and lose it all within a short period because they never took the time to learn how to be wealthy.

Closing

Define yourself based on facts and not emotions. Only learn what you are willing to invest, and your return will be rewarded in abundance. Life is short; don’t wait to learn! Start today. Do today what others won’t. So tomorrow, you can do what others can’t!

And if you have a skill set others could learn from, write a book so they can learn before they earn. Learn why by clicking here to watch my video.

#1 Reason Your New Year’s Resolution Does Not Work!

For most, somewhere in the middle of December, something triggers anticipation. The anticipation of counting down to the new year. The anticipation of counting down to a new you.

The count down, the anticipation, and the determination that, this time, I'm going to do it. This time, I'm going to conquer my New Year's resolution. 

Kudos and high fives to everyone that never gives up trying. That is awesome and important! But it is also essential to realize why so many people fail time and time again. Some statistics show that only 8% of people ever achieve their goals. That is less than one out of every ten people.

Why is that? Hint: part of the question is part of the answer. Do tell, you say? Let's go.

The number one New Year's resolution, year in and year out, is to lose weight. And, for a good reason. No matter how much or how little, most everyone I know could lose an inch or so after the holidays. Of course, I'm not judging. I am often in the same boat.

So, for that reason, let's focus on weight loss as an example.

Of course, there is an abundance of reasons why most of us would fail before we even began to see substantial results. They vary from: it's too much work, the results are not coming fast enough, self-doubt, lack of a plan, lack of motivation, no social support, and on and on and on.

But, for those that are determined to succeed this time, there is one critical component to be considered when planning out your New Year's resolution to succeed.

Realizing the success rate of goals is only 8%, how high do you think the success rate to lose weight would increase if you went to the doctor today and he said, "If you do not lose 30 pounds in 9 weeks, you will die of cardiac arrest, kidney failure, or diabetes." If you knew you would not see your loved ones ever again or would not be there for your children when they graduate or get married, would the fact that you would not be around when your family needs you most be a motivator to change your lifestyle? Do you think the percentage of New Year's resolution achievements would go up?

I don't know about you, but the possibility of imminent danger usually gets my attention loud and clear. Realizing that my lack of effort may cause me not to be around for my family when they need me most, gets my attention. And most people feel the same way.

So, why do we fail so often? Actually, because "why" is the answer. The lack of a "why" to be specific. 

For everyday purposes, we are going to refer to your "why" as the main ingredient to your favorite recipe. You cannot successfully prepare an edible meal if you do not have the first part. If you are attempting to smoke chicken or ribs, you can vary the measurements of the rub, spices, coal, and wood for smoking. But, if you do not have the chicken or ribs, aka - the "main ingredient," you will not have chicken or ribs that day.

You have to have a strong enough "why" or you will not accomplish your goals. If your "why" is strong enough, you will find a way to achieve your goals. You will do what it takes and make fewer excuses. You are always busy, but if you have time to remember the main ingredient every day, you can meet your goals!

This year, start with a strong "why" behind your goals and build a successful plan from there. You can do this!

Should You Write That Book You Keep Talking About?

Welcome to the Morrison Minute. We focus on personal development & business mastery.

 Today we're going to focus on personal development. In 2018 I released my first book, titled, “DO NOT: Start Or Run A Business, My Way.” It was simply a memoir of all the mistakes I feel that I made when I started my first business. Mistakes that I wanted to share with other small business owners, so they don't replicate the same mistakes.

 I'm asked by those that I know, those that have always wanted to write a book, “Should I write a book?” My answer, “Absolutely, yes!”

 You can go on the internet and you can find dozens if not hundreds of reasons why you should write a book. But I want to inspire you by sharing just a few that have stood out more than other’s since I've released mine.

 For one, it is therapeutic. We're all human, we all hold emotions inside. There's just something about getting those emotions out on paper.

 Another reason is, it's empowering. It's a confidence booster because only 1% of the population ever writes and releases their book.

 Another reason is, you have a story to tell. There's eight billion people on this planet. Someone's bound to be inspired by your story.

 One of those that have been most beneficial to me is its opened-up doors of opportunity. I've had speaking opportunities; I've had business owners pick up and read my book and call me for coaching and mentoring services. I’ve had publications reach out to me as a subject matter expert.

 If you’ve got a book that you've been trying to write, trying to finish for the last five, ten, fifteen years… reach out! I’d love to be your accountability partner and inspire you and help you finish it.

 If you've always wanted to write a book, you just didn't know where to start, reach out and I'd love to help you as well.

 And if you're looking for more personal development skills more business mastery skills sign up for more Morrison Minute. I’d love to help you there as well!

3 Simple Strategies to Crush It!

Hi, I'm Michael Morrison! And welcome to the Morrison Minute where we focus on personal development and business coaching. Today. we're going to focus on personal development. I'm going to share with you three simple strategies to crush it in anything you do.

 Step one, is simply Get Serious. From time to time, I interview elderly people and, well, for wisdom. There’s two common words that I hear often more than not. That is, I wish! I wish I would have wrote that book. I wish I would have downsized my home. I wish I would saved more money. I wish I would have started that business. I wish, I wish, I wish! Step One, is simply get serious about it is what you want to do.

 Step two, is Make A Plan. A plan is like a recipe for your success. If you think about a recipe in a cookbook, it always starts with the main Ingredients, the top priorities. And, it works this way down from there. A plan is simply creating your top priorities and working your way down from there. Nothing else matters. 

 Step three, the most critical, is Take Action. I’ve trademarked a quote, which is, “Do today what other’s won't. So tomorrow you can do what others can't.”

 Three simple steps: Get Serious, Make A Plan, and Take Action.

 If you’d like to dig in a little deeper, I've created some curriculum called “Get Serious.” On my website, michaeldmorrison.com, go there for more information where we look at your past, your present, and your future. And then we create a detailed plan for your success. So, that every day, you know the top three things that you need to be doing to meet your goals.

 And, if you'd like more personal development skills, or, more business coaching skills, sign up for more, Morrison Minute. I'd love to see you again!

Working "In" The Business Could Be Costing You Money!

Hi, I'm Michael Morrison! Welcome to the Morrison Minute where we focus on personal development and business coaching. Today, we're going to focus on the small business owner. Because you see, on the internet, there's this cliché - are you working “in” the business or are you working “on” the business. Let me explain.

I know of this successful printing company where there were several business owners and they had a business coach, fully staffed, sixty to seventy employees. They had positions within the company like press operator, bindery operator, IT Department, HR department, etcetera, etcetera. One day, in the business owners meeting, the coach asked each one, “what did you focus on this past week?” First business owner says, “business development.” The second business owner says, “operations.” The third one says, “well, I got stuck working in production, cutting paper.”

 You see, in the printing industry, printers print on big sheets of paper and then they get cut down to size to deliver to the customer. FYI.

 The business coach says, “what does that position, paper cutter typically pay.” The business owner says, “ooh, typically ten to fifteen dollars an hour.” The business coach jumps out of his seat and says, (knowing that this business owner, makes a business owner salary) and he says, “do you realize you are the most expensive paper cutter not just in your region but probably the world?”

 You see that's working “in” the business. Working “on” the business is growth, strategies, working on your mission, carrying out your purpose of the company, community development, connections, etcetera, etcetera.

 If you’re a small business owner stuck working “in” the business, and, you'd love to work “on” the business, let's have coffee and chat. And if you'd like more personal development skills and more business coaching skills, sign up for more Morrison Minute. I'd love to see you again!