“Get better” is not a goal

New Year's resolutions are tricky. We’re 18 days into the new year, and a lot of people have already given up on theirs.

For a many of them, the reason is that they haven't set actual goals.

Exercise more. Eat healthier. Lose weight. Save more money.

What do these have in common?

They all sound nice. And none of them are goals.

Aspirations, yes. But goals, no.

Here's the thing:

A goal aims for a measurable outcome.

Exercise more: Well, how much more? And, by the way, why? What's the actual outcome of this aspiration?

If you want to set goals for your organization, first think about the business value you're trying to achieve.

And then pick a measurable indicator that will get you closer to that outcome.

That’s a real goal: one you can work toward and know when you've achieved it.

All the best,
A.