Fundamentally, our lives become the sum of our decisions; goals are a way to focus our attention and time. In this week's podcast episode, we delve into how goal setting influences success and share some tips along the way.

Host Jared Siegel is joined this week by Scott Williams and Craig Wanichek. Scott is a partner at Delap, specializing in audit and accounting services in the financial institutions, manufacturing and distribution, and software and technology industries. Craig is the President and CEO of Summit Bank, and he has accrued more than 25 years of banking experience.

Tune in here, at delapcpa.com/podcast, or wherever you listen to podcasts:

Here are the highlights from their insightful conversation about goal setting:

• Goals are a way to focus our attention and time, Jared says. “If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hope,” he quotes.
• You create belief by writing down your goals, according to Craig. Putting them on paper allows your mind to wrap around them and creates the belief that you can achieve them.
• Scott shares insights from books about leadership that impacted his professional journey. One such insight is that integrating positive affirmations and goal setting into your morning routine helps to build confidence and combat imposter syndrome. Additionally, breaking down big goals into smaller goals that you complete consistently over time establishes good habits.
• When you have a strong locus of control, you are less likely to fall prey to inaction or victimhood. People with a strong locus of control are generally happier and more successful, Jared remarks.
• One of the most difficult yet simplest things to do is keep swinging when you’re in a slump, Scott comments. The consistency of the little things you do is what helps you achieve your goals and even exceed them. “Goals are there to help us develop good habits, and then they take care of themselves,” he adds.
• Jared asks Craig and Scott to comment on the importance of saying no. Sometimes your contributions to shared goals may not be helpful, Craig replies. You can assist by supporting others as they achieve their goals and not standing in their way, and focusing on what you’re good at. Spreading yourself too thin trying to achieve too many things at one time can do more harm than good, Scott adds.
• Telling people about your goals activates your pride, which pushes you to achieve them, Scott shares. Craig advises listeners to remember that goals will be there the next day, so avoid trying to cram everything into one day.

Resources

Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear

How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth, and Karen Dillon