Evaluate goals: 20 valid reasons for the better

Do you take the time to evaluate goals?  It may take some time, even just a few minutes.  However, it brings many benefits.

This article can help anyone.  You can apply the idea in your personal and professional life.  I’ve given examples that relate to bloggers, solopreneurs, and more.

Resolutions

Why? (5/20)

Why you should periodically evaluate goals?  The end of the year is a popular time.  You review your resolution for the current year.  You also set new ones for the next period.

Are you looking for New Year’s resolution success tips?  Head over to my other article to find out more.  

This important exercise is helpful at other times as well.  At any month, give it a go.  You don’t have to wait for a new period to start.  

The best time to start is now, as the saying goes.  If you have a new inspiration, start to work on it.  You’ll start progressing sooner.

Why is it important to re-evaluate goals?  Revisit your set aims.  Do they need any updating?

You may have to make changes to reflect current needs.  Avoid putting time, energy, and resources into stale targets.

Let’s say, you’re a new blogger.  You were planning to start shooting videos and needed training.  However, you realized that you need to improve on SEO.  You, therefore, invested in an SEO course and tool instead.  Know your priorities, and the others can wait.

Measure performance 

(7/20)

Know how well you’re moving closer to your dreams.  Using quantitative methods is helpful.  To spot progress, or decline, and take the correct action, is crucial.

Using Google Analytics is an example.  Know about your site visitor, their interest, and preferences.  Use these insights for better decision-making in monetization efforts.  

Read more about it in my article on data-driven approaches.

There are also qualitative sources that can help.  For example, look at the comments your readers leave on your articles.  These can reveal interesting things.

Tools and techniques

How? (10/20)

How do you evaluate goals?  There are many frameworks, tools, and software.  In the corporate world, employees are assessed based on organizational and departmental objectives.

For guidance, revisit the short-term aims and remember the vision.  Do your daily tasks resonate with them?  Should you make any changes to reflect current needs?   

Confirm the strategic direction you’re taking.  Getting lost in other tasks can happen.  Especially if you work alone, you need to reflect and focus.

If you’re a blogger and solopreneur (like me), take care of it.  If you neglect to do regular checks, you’re likely to regret it later.  Have a plan and stick to it.

Being on your own in business has its pros and cons.  On one hand, you have the freedom to adjust your schedule.  On the other hand, if you rest on your laurels, you’ll take responsibility for poor results.

Grab your free productivity checklist today!

Motivations

What? (14/20)

Some things can determine convictions.  They have a powerful influence on your actions.  Consider them and see how they support you.       

Targets.  These are your set aims.  What you work on.

Norms.  These could be cultural and environmental.

Beliefs. These can be what you accept.

Values.  Your principles in life.

Convictions are rather personal.  These may differ from person to person.  Having meaningful objectives is important for success.

If you start a project that you don’t really like, it could be a waste.  Time, effort, and resources are all valuable.  Know your life purpose.

I had spent some years in corporate jobs.  When I moved to solopreneurship, I saw the difference.  I’ve worked in my home office for over nine years (at the time of writing) and blogging for five years.

Scenarios

Where? (20/20)

Where to apply the exercise of examining your intentions?  Depending on your activities, there could be many possibilities.  However, doing so in both personal and professional life is crucial.

Professionals can be employees or self-employed.  If you work for a company, your plan with be in line with organizational endeavors.  The corporate strategy could guide everything.

Independent professionals have the freedom to set their own aspirations, at least generally.  Bloggers normally can have such flexibility.  Freelancers, on the other hand, may have to give priority to their client’s decisions.  

Teamwork should be in the interest of the team purpose.  The leader has to guide and listen to members, encouraging progress.  The ultimate aim should be to realize the ‘why’ of the common mission.

Students have educational efforts.  As full-time learners, they focus much of their time on their studies.  Mature students may be already working and taking part-time training. 

Personal life has its obligations.  Family, parenting, couple relationship, and elderly care are a few to name.  Finding time for close ones and giving support is important.  You may have a bucket list of places to visit together, by a certain year target.

Social is another example.  You may join an NGO, supporting a cause.  I once took a break and contributed by doing administrative tasks voluntarily.

The list of places to ponder on resolutions can go on.  There is a necessity for everyone, based on their priorities.  Use these examples and think about your priorities. 

Simply said, do review your targets regularly.  Ensure they’re still valid.  Change or adjust them to current requirements, if needed.

Conclusion

In both personal and professional aspects of life, you aim to succeed.  In doing so, you need to take action consistently.  Evaluate goals periodically to see if they’re still relevant.

Grab your free productivity checklist today!