Critical Considerations when Goal Setting as a VA

Stop Going Through the Motions: Why Your VA Business Needs Real Goals

If you want to be successful in life, and more importantly in your VA business, you must set goals for both your personal and professional life.

Working just to “get things done” is a trap. You end up going through the motions with no real purpose or drive. Setting goals gives you something to strive for and significantly increases your chances of success. It moves you from being a reactive task-taker to a proactive business owner.

When I set my goals, I follow these principles:

Aim High

It might seem logical to set goals you know you can reach, but that won’t make you more successful than you are right now. To achieve growth, you need to reach for something just beyond your current grasp. You need a target that motivates you to do more, otherwise, you will simply plateau.

Be Realistic

This isn’t a contradiction to aiming high; it’s about being sensible. If you constantly set impossible targets, you will fail repeatedly. Chronic failure leads to burnout and the temptation to give up entirely. Unrealistic goals also create unnecessary stress, which impacts your sleep, your mental health, and your physical well-tbing. Push yourself, but don’t break yourself.

Make a Plan

A goal without a plan is just a wish. Without a roadmap, you will get sidetracked by distractions. Once you set your goals, map out exactly how to get there, including firm timescales. Most importantly, follow through. Check your plan regularly to ensure you are on track and be prepared to revise your tactics if the current course of action is no longer effective.

Be Accountable

Keeping goals to yourself is the easy way out. If you hit a setback, you only have yourself to answer to. When you share your goals with someone you trust, they can provide the nudge you need when motivation wanes. Whether it is a family member, a friend, or a fellow business owner, find someone who will hold your feet to the fire.

Keep Your “Why” in Mind

In the daily grind of running a business, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture. Place physical reminders in your office of why you are doing this. Whether it is photos of your family or reminders of the freedom you are building, keep your objectives visible. This focus will keep you motivated when the work gets tough.

Review and Evaluate

A goal with a timescale gives you a metric for success. It allows you to gauge how far you have come and what your next steps are. It also gives you a reason to celebrate your wins.

One key to success is knowing that even if you miss a target, you can learn from it. If you fail to meet a goal, do not give up. Evaluate what went wrong, adjust, and go again.

If launching or growing a VA business is your goal, VACT can help. The VA Momentum Course is designed to help you use your existing skills to establish a professional, successful business.