So, how are you doing on the thank-you notes? Have you written out a few or are you trying to avoid it by stalling? Make a commitment to set aside time this week if you haven’t already. It’s time to tackle this task and get those notes done. It takes a few moments and time management, but if you set your mind to it, I know you can get it done.

2012 is already here, can you believe it? Have you thought about your personal New Year’s resolutions yet? I know many of you have made resolutions to lose weight, exercise, quit smoking, etc. If you made resolutions to quit something or make a lifestyle change, have you set your sights on your goal? What are you going to do to achieve it? What is your plan of attack? Are you going to reach your goal by a certain date?

Now that you have your personal intensions set, have you thought about setting professional goals? What do you want to accomplish this year? How much more money do you want to make? Maybe it’s not about the money, maybe you’re thinking about asking for referrals. Perhaps you’re challenged by retail or add-on services. What are you going to make a priority this year? Are you thinking about stepping out of the salon to build your business? Are you wondering what you can do to expand your advertising? Are you contemplating how you can keep your current clients, but also make room for new clients? There are so many things we could focus on this year and we have a lot of goals to choose from.

Many of us have many goals and that’s a good thing! It helps us to challenge ourselves and gives us something to work for, something to achieve. Many of us say the things we want to do to ourselves. We say it in our head so no one can hear us. By doing this, we have a way out. We can give up or fail if we want to because we have not made a commitment to anyone. By doing this our goal becomes a small intention instead of a goal.

Here is something I learned about goal-setting from one of my mentors, Mr. Michael Cole. He says, “If you think it, INK it!” My interpretation of this is by writing it down or saying it out loud, it becomes solidified and makes it a commitment. It’s becomes permanent, a priority. It also is something you will look at all the time. It reminds you.

You know how they say you will be more successful at exercising if you do it with a buddy? Well this can be done with a buddy too! You and a coworker can help each other to reach your goals. You can check in with each other, discuss what you have done over coffee or during downtime in the breakroom. Goals are easier to reach when you have a cheerleader. A cheerleader offers support and encouragement. I want you to do two things by next week’s post. First, make a list of possible goals — just write them down. We’re not setting the goal yet, we’re just thinking of the possibilities.

Two, start thinking about who would be a good cheerleader. Don’t ask them yet, just make a list of coworkers, friends, or family. This is someone you will be sharing your goals with. You will give them permission to check in with you from time to time to see how you are doing at reaching your goal.

Starting off 2012 with goal setting — one more way to make you stand out above the rest and become the BEST!

— Jill