4 easy ways to make your business goals come true

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific. -- Lily Tomlin

Your intent is a potent force.

Imagine you're an athlete, trained and ready to run in an important marathon. See yourself crouched in position at the starting line with all the other competitors. All your senses are alert, listening for the crack of the starting gun.

In the silence of this moment, what's going through your mind?

Are you saying to yourself, "I think I can win this race."

No.

Most likely you're saying, "I'm about to blow them all away! I'm gonna win, win, win!"

Be confident about your cleaning business goals. Don't be wishy-washy, especially at this time of the year. Set your intentions for your heart's desire. Then adjust your behavior. Put one foot in front of the other, and make your wishes come true.

1. Be specific. Have you made a New Year's resolution to make more money with your cleaning business? How can you clarify this goal even further? Instead of saying "some money" nail down a specific figure. Instead of telling yourself you're going to bring aboard "more customers," name a number of new accounts you want.

2. Be realistic. If you think you're going to win that marathon without the proper training, you're just a wishful thinker. Success = preparation + opportunity. Get out the map or Google the specific neighborhoods or business districts you want to target. Name the companies you'd like for your own customers, and be real about what you're prepared to do about it.

3. Say when. Do you want to grow your cleaning business quickly, such as in the next two weeks or within this month? Or would you prefer a slowly growing number of accounts, say in the next six months? Setting a specific time-line is an important part of the process. It's a deadline for your unconscious to pay attention to. And it will.

4. Be accountable. Ask another person to be your goals buddy. Ask her to hold you accountable for your promises to yourself. Make an accountability appointment to look at the progress you've made. Do this regularly, every two or three months, or whatever works. How frequently you measure your progress doesn't matter as much as your honest assessment, and honoring your accountability appointment.

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