How and Why You Should Set Goals as a Remote Worker

Whether it be from the day-to-day stresses of normal life or just not feeling as connected as you may want to be, it can be hard to stay motivated as a remote worker. However, as a crucial tool for a successful business, goal setting offers a sense of direction and can help you be more productive and engaged. 

What Exactly is Goal Setting? 

In its simplest definition, goal setting is, “the process of deciding what you want to achieve or what you want someone else to achieve over a particular period.” While people can fall victim to creating generalized goals, it is important to specifically tailor them to your business and personal needs.  

Enter: S.M.A.R.T. Goals. 

A S.M.A.R.T. goal can be broken into five key elements. Firstly, goals need to be Specific. It can be easy to say you’re going to generally aim for a goal, but by directly and objectively articulating that goal, you can reduce its complexity and simplify any problems. The goal also needs to be Measurable. If there is no way to measure your progress, results can get muddled, and you could lose direction. They must also be Achievable and Relevant. If they are both related to your business and feel accomplishable, you’ll have more attachment to that goal. Even if you need to break it into smaller sections, a goal isn’t going to work if you can’t realistically achieve it. Finally, it needs to be Time-bound. If not, it could become an ongoing project, and you could lose accountability.  

While each goal you have will be tailored to your business or personal needs, S.M.A.R.T. objectives help you set necessary constraints that are going to center your focus.  

Why Should You Set Goals? 

Even if you choose not to use the S.M.A.R.T. method, goal setting is beneficial across the board. It can prevent you from being overwhelmed, since you’re organizing and staying on track with the plans you laid out. According to this article, goal setting is going to improve your focus by triggering certain behaviors, guiding you, and upkeeping your momentum. Overall, it’ll increase the clarity of your projects and even your own personal satisfaction.  

Different Ways to Goal Set 

Firstly, ask yourself why you want to achieve a goal – this is an important first step and can help overarch your goal setting process. If the idea of goal setting seems overwhelming, you can set small ones one at a time. Sit down and prioritize which ones are going to be the most important, then work from there. By starting small you can gradually figure out the way you best set and complete goals, and you’ll gain a better sense of direction and focus. 

In a recent Liveops Lunch and Learn webinar for Liveops Independent Contractor agents, a panel discussed goal setting and the ways in which one could go about it. Liveops Agent, Sharon Meeks DeBouse, says, “a written and visual plan is a must if you’re actually looking to achieve your goals – no matter how small or short-term they are.” So as far as ways to organize your goals are concerned, you could choose to write them down in a notebook or calendar, keep sticky notes, utilize virtual platforms, or even create an idea board that encompasses your goals. Personally, I like to write out my goals and ideas on paper first (even if it starts out looking like nonsense), then actually organize them into my Google Calendar. It is normal for goals to change and adjust over time, so try your best to build a routine that works for you. If you feel lost, you can reach out to other people or even engage in a brainstorming session. 

Conclusion 

Goal setting is a critical part of any business, and by defining your vision and holding yourself to the standards and expectations you set, you set yourself up for future success. Remember to reward and recognize even the little wins. As Sharon Meeks DeBouse said, “start and end each day reviewing and applauding your successes.” Once you find your groove within goal setting, you can run your own business more efficiently and to the best of your abilities.