Goal-Setting in 2023

Imagine you are white water rafting. You probably have one clear goal in mind and that's to make it down the river safely. That's a pretty straightforward goal. When it comes to our professional lives sometimes our goals might not be as clear. As administrative support professionals we are responsible for our own goals and to help other people reach their goals. If we are not careful our aspirations will be set aside at our own expense. The way to avoid this is by setting, monitoring and achieving specific goals for yourself. 

I have been developing written goals for myself throughout most of my career. This has helped me to achieve many of the personal and professional objectives that I have set for myself. I don't believe it would have been possible if I didn't have a guide to keep me on track. 

I use a technique called SMART when I formulate goals for myself. The breakdown of SMART goals is a criterion by which you need to measure your goals by. By doing so you have a greater likelihood of the goals being realized. Each letter stands for a different characteristic that your goals need to include. 

• S stands for specific. Your goals need to target a specific area for improvement. You should be able to answer the what, why and how of your goal attainment. 
• M stands for measurable. You must be able to know when you have achieved your goal by having a clear way to evaluate when your goal is met. 
• A stands for achievable. You must assess this to complete the goal realistically. If not it does not meet this measure. 
• R stands for results-focus. What will be the end product of you completing this goal? 
• T stands for time-bound. Your goal needs a time frame that creates a sense of urgency. 

The goal must have an endpoint to help keep you motivated and engaged in reaching it. An example of a goal that is not using SMART guidelines would be to lose weight. Although that could be a goal you have set for yourself the likelihood of you attaining it would be hampered because it's not focused enough. If you apply the SMART guidelines to it your goal would sound more like this. I want to lose 10 pounds by December 31st. This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, time-bound and results-focused. It is also important to do periodic check-ins on your goal progress. These can be conducted monthly, quarterly or at mid-year. 

The purpose of the check-in is to examine what is going well, what is not going well and what needs to change. You can then make the necessary adjustment to hit your targets. Goal setting is important because it helps you to stay focused, achieve more, stay motivated and set yourself apart from those who don't include this important practice in their lives. It is particularly important for administrative support professionals so we can be better adept at helping others achieve their goals without sacrificing our own.

April's Courses - 24 x 7 Virtual Training on LinkedIn Learning

Administrative Professional Weekly Tips

Being an administrative professional is a rewarding and challenging career. This series provides tips to help you stay focused, balanced, and in sync with your boss-and become an invaluable asset to whatever company you work for.

Job Interview Tips for Administrative Assistants

In this course, instructor April Stallworth covers the most common questions that administrative assistants are asked in job interviews, and she offers tips for answering each question with specificity and confidence.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

April

April 20, 2023, GALENA, IL, The Illinois Fire Service Administrative Professionals (IFSAP) Annual Conference. Registration link coming soon.

May

May 5, 2023, International Leadership Summit, Orlando, FL - Registration Link

October

October 5-6, 2023, Executive Support Professionals Annual Conference, Camden, NJ. Registration link coming soon.

Free Resources

Finding Purpose in Your Work Webinar w/April Stallworth & Beverly Robinson.