Setting Realistic Goals

14175615601I’m going to make $100,000.00 this year. I’m going to close an average of more than 8 listings every month. These are indeed admirable aspirations, but most who set targets such as these will miss the mark. They’ll miss because their goals are based on future predictions that cannot be controlled. Therefore, they are more of a wish than a goal. A goal must be attainable and to be attainable, you must possess a high percentage of control over it. The following is a pointer to help you set more realistic goals.

Reduce your goal setting to factors that you can control. For example: To make $100,000.00 this year, you’ll need to close 100 listings. If you close 10% on average for every 100 potential customers you approach, to achieve your wish, you’ll need to approach 1,000 potential customers. This brings the goal setting down to more realistic terms that you can actually control. You can’t control the potential customers decision, but you can control how many potential customers you approach.

If you want to lose twenty pounds in three months, make it your goal to eat healthy and exercise. You can control what you eat and whether or not you exercise. We can easily monitor the progress on a daily basis. However, you have limited controlled over your metabolism and how quickly you lose weight. Some lose weight faster than others, which can lead to comparison and discouragement. When we compare ourselves to others, we open the door for stress and anxiety to enter. Your goals should spark excitement and serve as something to look forward to accomplishing.

If possible, break the goal down to something you can do daily. You’ll create a habit and begin looking forward to the challenge each day. When you’re setting your goals, always base them on elements you can control. As James Dean said, “I can’t control the winds, but I can adjust the sails.”

Eric L. Lipsey
President/Co-Founder
Phoenix Business Development