I recently caught up with my friend, Angela, over coffee. We’ve been friends for over a decade, and our conversations often include something like this:
- Angela: “This is the year I get in shape! I’m going to run, eat only salads, and work out every day!”
- Me: “Cool! So, what’s your plan?”
- Angela: “Plan? What do you mean? I’ll just, you know, do it.”
Fast forward a few weeks, and Angela is back to old eating habits and binge-watching TV. Her “goal” of getting in shape? More like a wish.
This got me thinking—how many of us do this with our businesses? We say we want to grow, make more money, or get more clients, but we don’t actually take the time to create a plan to make it happen. That’s the difference between a wish and a goal. And if you’re serious about growing your business, you need to be realistic and set goals, not just dream big.
The Difference Between Wishes and Goals
A wish is something you hope will happen. A goal is something you work toward with a clear plan. Let’s break it down:
- Wish: “I want to get more customers.”
- Goal: “I will gain 10 new customers in the next three months by running Facebook ads and networking twice a week.”
See the difference? One is vague and relies on luck. The other has a clear target and a strategy to reach it.
Turning Your Business Wishes into Goals
How do you set business goals that work? Here’s a simple formula:
1. Be Specific: Instead of saying, “I want to grow my business,” say, “I will increase revenue by 20% in the next six months by launching a new product line.”
2. Make It Measurable: You can’t tell if you are being successful if you aren’t tracking your progress. “Getting better at marketing” is a wish. “Posting three times a week on Instagram” is a goal.
3. Give It a Deadline: Goals without deadlines just sit there collecting dust. “I will reach out to five potential clients by Friday” is far more effective than “I’ll network more.”
4. Create an Action Plan: Break down your goal into steps. If you want more clients, what’s your first move? Networking? Ads? Cold emails? Write it down and do it.
5. Stay Accountable: Whether it’s a business coach, a mastermind group, or just an honest friend, having someone check in on your progress keeps you on track.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If you treat business growth like a wish, it’ll stay just that—a wish. You’ll keep hoping for better results without making the moves that will actually get you there. But when you start setting concrete goals with clear plans, you’ll see real progress.
Final Thoughts – Dreaming big is great, but wishes alone won’t grow your business. The key is turning those dreams into actionable goals. So, take a look at what you want for your business this year—are they wishes, or are they goals? If they’re still just wishes, it’s time to make a plan and start taking action.
Feeling inspired to turn your wishes into goals? Need some help?Let’s chat! Together, we’ll make those dreams a reality!