<![CDATA[RQE LIFE AND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

<![CDATA[RQE LIFE AND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS - RQE Life & Biz Blog]]>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:44:22 -0500EditMySite<![CDATA[The SMART-ER Road to Reaching Your Goals]]>Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:59:16 GMThttps://www.royalqueenent.com/rqe-life--biz-blog/the-smart-er-road-to-reaching-your-goals

Most of us have heard about the SMART method to goal setting, which tells us the qualities that every well-formulated goal needs to have. It’s a popular method that’s taught in the workplace, schools, workshops, and in books because research has shown that goals with these 5 qualities are easier and more likely to be achieved.

But it can’t be ALL about the goal itself, right? It’s important to consider WHO has to reach that well-formulated goal. There’s someone who has to actually take the action steps necessary once that goal has been set. Who is that “Goal Getter?” What are the qualities that THEY need to have? If two people have the same exact goal, what personal characteristics will give one person a greater chance of success over the other?

We talk about the SMART method that outlines the qualities of goals but let’s get even smart-ER and add a couple of letters to the acronym (ER) to represent the added qualities of the Goal Getter.

I’ll use the scenario of someone saying “I want to stop procrastinating,” and I’ll provide an example of how to incorporate each quality into that type of goal.

Specific

Don’t be vague. Be direct, detailed, and intentional when writing your goals. Use “I am” in place of “I will”, and refrain from using negative words like “Don’t, No, Stop, Not” etc. Use only positive wording in the present tense. (These are mind tricks.)

“I complete projects before the deadline.”

Measurable

How will you know when you have reached your goal? Make your goals quantifiable. In other words, using numbers in your goals will make it easy to track progress and success.

“I complete 100% of projects a week before the deadline.”

Attainable

Look at where you are currently in relation to the goal. How far are you pushing yourself to go? What has stopped you from getting there in the past? Assess your known obstacles. How will you address or minimize them? With the other obligations you have in your life, can you really achieve this goal (and in the stated time frame)? Do you have access to the resources needed or a game plan of how to gain that access? The goal can be challenging, and still be possible. But a goal that is too lofty could negatively impact your motivation. So find your balance and be reasonable. Once you hit that goal, celebrate your progress and expand your goal to a larger one.

“I complete 80% of projects 2 or more days before the deadline.”

Relevant

The goal aligns with your values and the “bigger picture” of where you want to be in some area of your life or business. You are clear on your “Why” or your reason for wanting to achieve this particular goal, and it doesn’t conflict with other goals or desires you have for yourself.

“I complete 80% of projects 2 or more days before the deadline.” (no changes)

Time-bound

Set a clear deadline for reaching your goals. By what date will you have accomplished this goal? If you find difficulty in setting deadlines because your goal could be ongoing– something you can continuously reach higher levels in– you can define the milestones and give yourself different deadlines for reaching each level.

“I complete 80% of projects 2 or more days before their deadline by June 2023.”
(This is a well-formulated SMART goal)

Empowered

You have your SMART goal, but what’s going to keep the Goal Getter from losing that momentum they started with? You have to EMPOWER yourself! There are many ways to do this. Doing mindset work is one. Reading your vision and goals daily will keep you focused on taking action. Listening to motivational speeches, and affirmations will boost your confidence and remind you of the amazing things you are capable of achieving. Having well-written SMART goals without having the mindset for success is a waste of time and energy.

       “I am capable of achieving my goals.”
“I value my time and use it productively.”
(Create affirmations that address mindset obstacles for your specific goals.)

Resilient/Resourceful

Life happens. We all know this. So no matter how much goal setting, planning, and mindset work we do, some obstacles will still make their way to the surface and attempt to affect our progress in a very real way. Some days, it will seem like our “mindset for success” is nowhere to be found. (And that’s okay, actually. We wouldn’t be human if that didn’t happen from time to time.) How we bounce back from those low vibrational moments– those hours when doubt, envy, frustration, and apathy (the IDGAF syndrome) gets ahold of us – that’s what really matters. How resilient is the Goal Getter? How resourceful are you? After the meltdown, can you take a step back, recalibrate, and successfully see the bigger picture? Can you recognize the obstacles that were actually opportunities in disguise? Did you pick up on the hidden lessons put in place for you, giving the exact grade of fuel you needed for your journey to goal attainment?

So while, yes, every Goal Getter needs well-formulated goals, every SMART goal needs a well-formulated “Goal Getter”. It’s a combo deal, and the SMART-ER road to successfully reaching your goals.

Check out "Planning 4 Success: The Goal Getter Edition," our signature goal attainment program, where you will learn how to implement my 10-Step Goal Getter System to help you reach your goals more successfully and improve the quality of your overall life. Learn more by clicking the image above.

]]><![CDATA[It Takes Two: The Power of Accountability]]>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:38:41 GMThttps://www.royalqueenent.com/rqe-life--biz-blog/it-takes-two-the-power-of-accountability

Have you ever heard of “The Law of Two”? It basically states that two is necessary for multiplication. In other words, anyone can make progress on their own by being focused and making the right moves, but growth can occur at monumental rates when you are connected to another person—the right person.

When going after your goals, it is easy to get sidetracked, discouraged, or scared. Those are often the root causes of procrastination, and this is one of the biggest obstacles that people encounter. That, along with a lack of follow through. You may have figured out every step you need to take, but your action plan means nothing if there is no follow through.

So this goes back to The Law of Two, and connecting with another person to help you overcome this obstacle. There are different types of people in the world that you can associate yourself with. At least one of those people needs to be someone who motivates you and propels you forward towards your dreams. This person can keep you on track and provide accountability for you. You can tell them about your plan of action, and the timeframe in which you plan to take those actions. They can check back with you to see how much you’ve accomplished and make inquiries about the results or your next move.

Is it really necessary to have an accountability partner? The answer is YES! When you have no one holding you accountable for the things you say you’re going to accomplish, you’ve created the perfect conditions for procrastination to thrive. Knowing that someone is aware of your plan and will be checking in with you can inspire you to continue moving forward on the days you want to be stagnant. It can motivate you to take action when you want to overthink things or put them off until another time. Having an accountability partner can increase your productivity by the loads.

So who will be your accountability partner? You may have family and friends in your life that can play that position; but just because they care about you does not mean they are invested in your success. It doesn’t mean they believe in the value of what you want to accomplish, or even believe that you are capable of doing it. They may not understand the goals you are trying to reach and quite frankly may not be very interested. It’s not that they don’t care; but they likely have their own mindset obstacles that may be spilling over onto your dreams. This is one reason why people hire coaches. Amongst their other roles, a coach can act as an accountability partner for you. They can help you strategize and develop an action plan, as well as address any obstacles that may arise along the way.

Whether you use a coach, your best friend, a mastermind group, or a business partner, you need to find another person who is willing to provide that accountability for you. Teaming up with someone who is serious about seeing you make progress may be the one missing link to your success.

]]><![CDATA[Beyond the Resolution: Securing Success in New Seasons]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2023 14:20:18 GMThttps://www.royalqueenent.com/rqe-life--biz-blog/beyond-the-resolution-securing-success-in-new-seasons

Ahh, the sights and sounds of January... Past resolutions are resurrected, repackaged, and resold, hoping to be unrecognizable to the eyes of loved ones who were present for last spring's burial. People across the world reintroduce themselves to the personal trainers they previously abandoned without warning. Health food stores and fitness clubs are relishing in the new business, already aware that their peaking profits will be back to average in a month or two. The general trend is all too familiar. Welcome to the new year!

But this doesn't have to define your 2023. It can be different. Unique. Against the grain. We don't have to fall victim to every trend that's out there. We can create our own destiny no matter what is going on around us. We can make the decision to NOT be a part of the majority, if the methods of the majority have proven to be an epic fail. We have a choice.

So what will YOU do differently in 2023? What personal or professional goals are you reaching for this year? Once you figure that out, write it down and review it on a regular basis. Start building your support circle and ban the negativity. The "you said that last year" folks? Revoke their invitation to be a part of your audience. Contrary to popular opinion, haters are not motivators. There is life and death in the power of the tongue, so surround yourself with those that speak LIFE into your dreams and aspirations.

But remember, your #1 supporter must be YOU. Work on your own belief in yourself, first and foremost. Like a dog can easily sniff out fear, people can always tell if you are doubting yourself. And if you don't believe in you, it will be nearly impossible for others to jump on board. Motivation to reach your goals has to start from within. Yes, there will be fear. There may be anxiety. Those are completely normal emotions that arise anytime you are attempting to make a change in your life. Embrace those emotions, and move past them. You only have one life to live, and there will only be one 2023. So make the decision for this to be your best year yet, and be determined not to drop the ball. There is no better time than the present to unwrap that priceless gift of change.

P.S.
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