Ep. 26 - Beyond Resolutions: Setting Realistic Goals for Success

Successful Barrister

In this episode of the Successful Barrister, Diana and Marc discuss one of Marc’s biggest pet peeve: new years resolutions. Most people do not stick to their new years resolutions – they tend to be lofty and ill-defined, and few people hold themselves accountable to them. Because of this, this episode focuses on setting realistic goals – helping you avoid “shiny object” thinking, create milestones to track your progress, and get your team on board.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the time stamps below:

[1:40] Happy new year! Today’s episode is about Marc’s pet peeve: new years resolutions. He believes that waiting for the start of a new year to improve yourself is pointless. What really matters is executing on your plan for the year.

[2:36] Marc Whitehead & Associates looks at the results from the previous year to set new goals starting in November. Then, the firm goes through all aspects of its activities to set small goals to reach throughout the new year.

[6:55] The firm started using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) a little over a year ago. EOS has helped the team understand and take accountability for this year’s goals, and will help them continue to do so moving into 2025.

[9:07] Diana and Marc share their best practices for goal setting. To begin, Marc explains his fear of coming up with the wrong “rocks,” or long-term goals. He has people come into goal-setting meetings with ideas to avoid getting attached to “shiny object” ideas.

[15:19] Marc always looks about two components when setting goals: profitability and growth. As his goals filter into other departments, factors like complexity and capacity become more relevant. Diana is a key player in making sure the firm has the capability to accomplish Marc’s goals.

[20:25] Another component of good goal setting is making sure everyone in your organization is on board. If your goals only matter to upper leadership, they will not be accomplished by your team.

[26:36] Marc’s 2025 professional goal is to get back to being more of a one-on-one marketer. He used to go to more lunches and networking events, but he has not gotten back to it since the pandemic. His SMART version of this goal is to go to at least two lunches each month.

[29:27] Diana’s professional goal is to attend the EOS Integrator Masterclass. She believes it will help her be the best integrator she can be for the firm.

[31:15] Marc’s personal goal is to build his relationships. He wants to spend more time and have more conversations with his wife. He also wants to spend more time with his friends and building new friendships.

[34:35] Diana wants to work on her flexibility by stretching five times a week. She learned recently that flexibility is important to your bone health and mobility as you age.

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