As we go from one calendar year to the next, it’s only natural to take stock of your life, your goals, your wants and desires. For many, it’s a time of reflection and introspection. Am I really happy doing what I’m doing? Are my priorities out of whack? What do I value and what’s most important to me? Am I living the kind of life I want? If these and others sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many people spend a lot of time thinking about real change. But few follow up by acting upon it.
One of the main reasons many never act upon their desire to change is that they simply don’t know how to go about it. Well, if 2021 is really going to be your year, here are a few tips to take charge of your destiny.
Take Small Steps
Unless you win the lottery, change doesn’t happen overnight. And big changes in your life will take time to develop and materialize. But you can build your confidence and conviction by taking smaller steps to change first—the key is sticking with them. Commit to change such as going for a walk 30 minutes each day. Spend more time on meal-planning to eat healthier. Put limits on your screen and scrolling time. As you live up to your commitments on smaller changes, you’ll develop confidence to take on the larger ones.
Set Goals. No, Really
Setting definitive goals is an important step that must be taken seriously. It doesn’t mean take out a sheet of blank paper and write, “I want to make a million dollars this year.” It means using a series of goals as waypoints to achieving a desired result. It’s important to write them down or type them up. They must be visible. What type of goals are you looking to achieve? Do a little research, then put them down in order, one after the other. Think: in two months, I’ll have a more accurate household budget. Or, by June, I will make an appointment to learn more about owning a business of my own. Set frequent check-ins and cross off the goals you’ve achieved. And, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating these accomplishments along the way!
Take Action
You’ll never get where you’re going completely by yourself. You need the help and support of others to make your destiny a reality. If you’ve always wanted to become your own boss, take actionable steps to get there. Start small, if you have to. Read a book about the type of business you want to own. Research market intelligence about the product or service you’ll be selling. Then, when the time is right, you can set a no-cost, no-obligation appointment with a FranNet consultant like me. Together, we’ll recap your small steps, goal-setting and achievements to this point. If you still want to use franchising as the vehicle to business ownership, we’ll begin with your personal assessment.
Change isn’t supposed to be easy. It can be difficult. It can test you. It can reveal what you’re made of. But no matter what, any changes that bring about a better life for you are beneficial. And definitely worth your time. So give it a try this year—we’re all rooting for you!
If you’re all in for 2021 and want to begin your entrepreneurial journey, FranNet of Dallas-Fort Worth is standing by to assist you. Let us know if business ownership through franchising is something you’d like to hear more about. We’ve been there before with many clients and helped them navigate their way to business ownership through franchising—and we can do the same for you! If you’d like to hear more, please reach out and schedule a no-cost, no obligation meeting with us. Together we’ll find a franchise that meets your standard of business ownership and lifestyle goals.
About the Author
Sara Waskow is the Dallas-Fort Worth Market President for FranNet, the nation’s leading franchise consultancy. She’s a career transition specialist whose no-cost, no-obligation expertise matches individuals to business opportunities that best fit their unique goals and talents. Sara is a member of Success North Dallas, the Southlake and Grapevine Chambers of Commerce, and the Cowtown Executives Association. She graduated from Texas A&M University and has lived in the DFW area for over 30 years. She can be reached at: [email protected].