It's simply a matter of stretching your targets

It's the middle of June and 50 per cent of the year is already almost behind us. Time flies when you are having fun and, for many of us, that's what this time of year is about - with the ski season almost here and others looking for winter escapes.

It's also a good time to look ahead and plan for future success. Strategic planning is an essential component of successful business and I have two plans - one for myself and one for the business - both are intertwined.

For many of us, our businesses are a reflection of ourselves, so it makes sense that when we plan for our business(es), they reflect our own goals and ambitions.

So, what are you going to achieve for the remainder of this year? What are your targets? Are you going to let life happen or take a structured approach?

It's important that you set goals for yourself and your business that energise, motivate, are measurable and attainable. However, you should make sure that you also set some stretch targets.

My personal plan includes revamping my fitness and has many stretches ... and stretch targets! I have resolved to exercise at least three times a week. I did start this column with the "time flies" statement, but it seems that in that fitness time, I can create an ability to slow time significantly or stop it entirely.

So I am going to dust off the previously unused step machine at home. And I will set a goal of "stepping" a particular distance each day. Given that the garage isn't warm, there is incentive to get motivated.

The stretch target is to make this activity daily. OK, not much of a stretch, but right now I am about as fit as a Big Mac is nutritious.

The key to stretch targets is that they do just that; they stretch you to new levels of performance and, like muscles when you exercise, you and your business develop new strengths as you achieve them.

I know it won't be easy - particularly starting from scratch - but I want to be exercising every day if I can. So what do you do when things get tough when pursuing a goal? Instead of giving up, you get energised. And although it is a stretch, I believe it is attainable.

Once my fitness returns, it will be a goal achieved, and I will have developed more confidence and will feel better too.

It's the same for goal setting and strategic planning - set your targets so you know where you are going and include some stretch targets. The benefits to you and your business will be exponential.

If you would like help implementing stretch targets into your strategic plan, give Zenith Solutions a call on 347 9997.