Sometimes, the best way to clarify our goals is to ask ourselves one simple question: Where do I want to be in one year?

I guess I shouldn’t say it’s a simple question - it’s actually a complex one, and unique to each of us. In terms of our small businesses, I recommend also reflecting on the following questions periodically:

• What are the primary challenges my business is facing right now?

• What resources and skills can be leveraged for growth and to stay competitive?

• How am I managing my time, and are there any inefficiencies I can address?

Clarity alone won't get us to our destination; consistent action will. One saying I reflect on quite a bit is, “A year from now, you will wish you had started today”. We all know a year goes by fast! Thinking about these questions helps us get clear on our goals, what processes and actions are wasting our time, and what we need to add to our businesses to keep them humming beautifully. Let’s dig deeper!

Understanding Your Current Challenges Before you can plan where you want to go, you must understand where you stand. Take a moment to reflect on the primary challenges your business is facing today. Is it customer acquisition, cash flow, or something else? Identifying these hurdles is the first step in overcoming them.

Leveraging Resources and Skills Every business has unique strengths—perhaps it's a loyal customer base, a skilled team, or cutting-edge technology. Consider what resources and skills you can leverage to propel your business forward. How can these advantages be better utilized to not only sustain your business but also to thrive in a competitive market?

Streamlining Your Time Management Time is a finite resource, and how you manage it can significantly impact your business’s success. Reflect on your current time management strategies. Are there processes or tasks that consume disproportionate amounts of time without offering equivalent benefits?

Planning for the Future With a clear understanding of your challenges, resources, and time management, begin setting concrete goals for where you want your business to be in one year. What specific outcomes will indicate success? Whether it’s expanding your products, increasing your customer base, or improving operations, defining these goals is crucial.

Taking Consistent Action Clarity in planning is only as good as the actions you take. Set regular milestones to check your progress, adjust as necessary, and stay committed to your action plan. This consistent effort can transform your year-ahead vision into reality.

Resource to Get You Started To help you in this journey, I've prepared a free downloadable worksheet titled Finding Your Valuable Time. This resource is designed to help you audit your current time allocation and make informed decisions about managing your time effectively. Access the worksheet here to start making the most out of every minute.

Reflecting on where you want your business to be in a year is more than just a planning exercise; it’s a commitment to strategic growth and proactive leadership. As you navigate the coming year, keep revisiting your goals and strategies to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving business landscape and personal aspirations. Let's make this year count!