| | | | Information and Resources for Your Business and Life | | | | Inspiration, Tools & Tips! January 2024 | | | | No More ResolutionsCreate a S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Stop making New Year’s Resolutions! Focus on S.M.A.R.T. Goals Instead. We made it! The start of a new year is here! There’s something about the new year that makes us feel inspired and hopeful. One word comes up each year when a year is closing, and a new year is on the horizon: resolution. Friends and relatives ask about your new year’s resolutions and tell you about theirs. Most people have the same as the one they had last year. Why do the same resolutions end up on your list year after year? | | | |  February
| | | | | | | | | | I'm glad you're back,
You looked at what you need to do to start a business in October. Then you laid out your financial plan to make it happen in November. You committed to starting the new year right in December. A part of that commitment, did you make a new year’s resolution? Do you say something like, “Next year I am going to be healthier, more efficient, more productive, more creative, intentionally focused, __________ (fill in the blank)”. Did you say, “My business
| | | | is going to double its revenue, use its resources, market more?” Or did you say, “Our church/ministry is going to evangelize more, increase tithing, be everything God has called us to be?” This month we are going to focus on the alternative to making a resolution. We are going to look at developing a S.M.A.R.T. goal and how it will help you succeed, not just for the new year , but all year long.
Also, as I do every month, thanks to everyone who reached out. I get more and more excited as I see what God is doing with and in my life. It is an honor and a pleasure to give you tips and help you learn from my successes and failures. Please stay subscribed to receive more information, success stories, tips, freebies and much more. | | | | | | | |
It’s that time of year again. You made it through last year. What is going to happen this year? Will you make a resolution? Or did you make one last year and didn’t see it happen? Maybe you need a goal. Those words may seem interchangeable. However, there is a difference between a goal and resolution., especially if that goal is S.M.A.R.T. A resolution is basically an intention. What you really need is a goal that has a plan built into it. People have been making resolutions since the Ancient Babylonians some 4,000 years ago. However, trying to make a compact statement about what you want will not help you make it happen.
| Resolution | Goal | | I will get in shape. | My body fat percentage will be at medical goal. | | I will stop overspending. | My budget will show what I can spend each month. | | My business will get more clients/customers. | I will implement the marketing plan on February 1st. | | My business will be more productive | I will start acquire/develop a business plan by February 1st. | | The church/ministry will flourish. | I will train the evangelism team/ministry by February 28th. | | The parishioners will read the Bible more. | I will start a Bible study course on February 1st. | Resolutions are statements of intention, while S.M.A.R.T. goals are commitment statements with a path to completion. I stress S.M.A.R.T. goals because a basic goal can be as unproductive as a resolution. If you really want to achieve your desired outcome, create a S.M.A.R.T. goal. What is a S.M.A.R.T. goal? S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym used to guide goal setting. When spelled, it stated your goals should be: · Specific (precise, to-the-point, definite). o What needs to be accomplished? o Who’s responsible for it? o What steps need to be taken to achieve it?
· Measurable (quantifiable, calculable). o When does it have to be done by? o What is the % increase you want to accomplish?
· Relevant (pertinent, applicable, significant). o Does it make sense to do this? o Will this fit the purpose of the goal and vision? o Does it fit into my culture and structure?
· Time bound (time-sensitive, within a timeframe, with an end date).
o Is a time frame/ deadline given for completing the task? o Is the end date appropriate for the task? o Will this cause you to stay focused, motivated, and proactive?
Each of us wants to make changes for the better in different areas of our lives. There is a way to make that happen that goes beyond hopes and dreams. You won’t be able to predict and prepare for every outcome (no one saw the 2020 pandemic coming). However, a plan will put you in a better position to pivot. This month, we will explore this concept from the business, church/ministry, and personal perspective. You also have a S.M.A.R.T. goals information sheet in the Freebie Section.
In the meantime, check out the freebies this month. Use them to help you. | | | | Business, Ministry, & Personal Application
| | .png)
Business Application
Well, it’s the first full month of 2024 and New Year’s resolutions abound. Everywhere I look there are business leaders and entrepreneurs making resolutions for this new year. I am pleased to find out that there is a very optimistic tone for these resolutions. Just about everyone wants to make more money
READ MORE ...
| | .png)
Ministry Application
Hope and faith alone will not change your situation, as stated in James 2:14-26. Indeed, we must show our faith “by” our works. Assuming your church/ministry wants to thrive and not simply survive this year, you must determine what works need to be done to change your outlook. Valleys are opportunities in disguise.
READ MORE ...
| | .png)
Personal Application
Not another New Year’s Resolution! No! Create a S.M.A.R.T. Goal? Yes! Setting a New Year’s resolution is relatively easy. This yearly ritual has all but become a fad and an unproductive part of our culture. There is one thing to acknowledge. Making resolutions is not working for most of us. Each year, we see a lack of
READ MORE ...
| | | | | | | |
Please go to the ministry website to find out more information about the ministry. You will read about what we are doing and find out how to take part in prayer and classes. Click the link.
Ministry Information will no longer be in this newsletter. At God's Door is starting a newsletter of its own. If you would like, you can subscribe here.
| | | | 
FREEBIES
Here are this month’s free business, ministry and personal tools:
* S.M.A.R.T. Goals Here is a quick guide to understanding S.M.A.R.T. goals.
* S.M.A.R.T. Goal Starter You can use this table to start a S.M.A.R.T. goal. Fill in each step and answer the questions that will help you follow the guidelines.
If you need any help with any of these resources please contact me. | | | | FEATURED COMPANY/CLIENT REVIEW | |
You can be featured whether you have been my client or not. If I understand your business and I believe you can help my readers, please reach out to me using my contact information at the bottom of this page. I would love to promote your services.
| | | | | | If you have done work with me, please submit a review, it would help me greatly.
Please click here. You will find a list of business review sites. Click the name of the site where you want to leave a review. You can place your review on one or as many as you like. Each review will help me so much, so I am thanking you in advance. If you want to leave a review for a site that is not listed, please contact me and let me know which site. | | | | Like a bad penny, this habit has returned. It’s that time of year when we’re likely to reflect on the past 12 months, thinking about what went well, what didn’t, and how we can do better this year. What do we do? We make resolutions aimed at improving ourselves and our circumstances. The problem with New Year’s resolutions, however, is that very often they are abandoned. We wake up on January 1st with the best of intentions and lots of energy to tackle the resolutions. By March, (and some of us even sooner), the resolution is simply a distant memory. Old habits return, and life goes on. I hope you use the information in this month’s newsletter to set a S.M.A.R.T. goal instead. It is an effective way to increase motivation and to help you create the changes you want. If you have questions or need any assistance, email us. You can also call us @ 904-830-0737. You can also set up a free consultation. (Please toggle "Business Consultation")
| | | | | | “I believe you can live your life how you choose to live it every day. A higher power can lead you (for me, it is God), or you can live by your own truth. Either way, why would you need a new year’s resolution?. It is better to be lead by a goal.” - Dr. Pam Russell | | | | MORE From Business Development
this year than in years past. My concern, though, is that while there are resolutions to make money, there is no tangible and realistic plan written to accomplish the goal. While it’s admirable to make a resolution, with no plan to make it a reality, it’s really just a dream. We will use this desire to provide the backdrop to our S.M.A.R.T. goal. You can use this scenario or put one of your own in the grid. Objective | Statement | S - specific | I want to make more money. | M- measurable | I want to increase my revenue by 20%. | A - attainable | I can attain this if my business is making some money now. | R- realistic | It is very realistic to think this is possible. | T -time-bound | By the end of the year. | To achieve this goal, there are some specifics that you, the business owner, have to look at. Ask yourself: 1. Does your business need a marketing makeover? · Do you have the foundational marketing pieces that every type of business must have to achieve maximum growth potential, such as a website, newsletters, referrals, lost client reactivation, new client acquisition campaigns to name a few, in place? · Have you implemented advanced marketing systems to build your marketing system into a great asset? Such as writing a book, producing videos, writing, and publishing articles, etc. o This will make your business valuation many multiples higher because you have made your marketing system into one of your greatest and most valuable assets. 2. Is your business solidly organized? · Your business should be able to run without your direct daily input and guidance. You must document and organize the major parts of your business. o More than a simple operation’s manual, the systems in your business must be able to provide initial and ongoing training for your staff. o Your employees must be able to access and use your documentation in convenient and easy and new and exciting ways. o Development and documentation of your systems is not an academic exercise. You must be proactive when you created them and use the input of your staff. The documentation should be located where the system actions are being performed. · You must document, at a minimum, the six major functions in your business. Those are: Leadership, Management, Marketing, Sales, Money and Production Systems. 3. Do you have a company growth plan? · You accomplish growth by combining organic growth with acquisition growth. This will allow your business to grow in a shorter time period. o Organic growth is often considered a more sustainable and controlled form of expansion. It develops from within the company’s existing framework without relying on external forces. o Acquisition growth involves external factors such as mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships that rapidly expand the business. · Acquiring other businesses can be the most viable alternative to grow your business rapidly and could ultimately be cheaper than organic business growth alone. Therefore, increasing your revenues. If you do not have these in place, start now. If you are unsure how to get started, there is a ton of information out there. You can also complete this intake form: https://form.jotform.com/DrPamR/biz-client-intake I can look at what you need and schedule a free consultation.
| | | | MORE From Ministry Development Perhaps your church/ministry is in a valley, discouraged, and waiting for deliverance. However, valleys are often for our own benefit. God, in his infinite wisdom, uses valleys to provide His children with opportunities to reflect, learn, rest, and strengthen themselves. Blindly rushing out of the valley (with no direction or discernment) before His “lesson” is completed is harmful and does Him a disservice. We are called to praise in these times, seek His wisdom, and expect the blessings that are to come.
However, as in all things, we must realize that God wants to work with and through His children. If we want to receive the blessing we envision, making a resolution will not make it happen. We must make a plan to achieve it. We should never expect Him to do “all” the work. Instead, we must do our part with the leading and instruction of God. He is responsible for the “results.” We are responsible for the “work.” So, what work are you willing to do this year? S.M.A.R.T. Goals convert your resolutions into action plans. Resolutions express a commitment to “do something.” For example, “We resolve to improve our evangelism in the community.” Resolutions by themselves, however, lack key elements that are necessary to accomplish the very thing you want to do. Namely, they lack no action plan, no structure, and no strategy.
Creating a S.M.A.R.T. goal makes the seemingly “massive” undertaking appear manageable, removes indecision, and creates clear paths to success. When success seems attainable, your church/ministry, you can inspire and motivate the congregants because they know their efforts will not only be meaningful, they will produce the results you are looking for . Remember, God will multiply the work “you” do, so why not do everything in your power to work effectively? Objective | Statement | S - specific | We want to improve our evangelism in the community. | Acts 1:8 (NKJV) - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. | M- measurable | We want our outreach to increase by 15%. | Matthew 9:37 (NKJV) - Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. | A - attainable | We can attain this if we implement an evangelism plan. | 1 Corinthians 9:22 (The Voice) -I’ve been broken, lost, depressed, oppressed, and weak that I might find favor and gain the weak. I’m flexible, adaptable, and able to do and be whatever is needed for all kinds of people so that in the end I can use every means at my disposal to offer them salvation. | R- realistic | Not only is this realistic, God also ordained it. | Matthew 9:38 (NKJV) - Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” | T -time-bound | By the end of the first quarter. | Ecclesiastes 3:1 (AMPC) - To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: | To achieve this goal, there are some specifics that you, the church/ministry leader, have to look at. Ask yourself: 1. Is the church/ministry solidly organized?· Everyone in the church/ministry should speak the same thing in accordance with the overall vision.
· Are the church/ministry’s major functions documented and organized? (Habakkuk 2:2).
o More than a simple operation’s manual, the departments and ministries in the church/ministry must be able to provide initial and ongoing training for the staff and volunteers.
o The staff and volunteers must be able to easily accessed and use the documentation in convenient as well as new and exciting ways.
o Development and documentation of the departments and ministries is not an intellectual exercise. God must lead you. Then you must use those He has placed within the church/ministry to provide input on how to accomplish what the Lord has given you.
· You must fully document the major functions (the gifts given to the church/ministry). At a minimum, those are:
o Apostles - organization and administration.
o Prophets - bylaws and guidelines.
o Evangelist - outreach, spreading the word, canvasing.
o Pastor - leadership and discipleship.
o Teacher - training and instruction.
2. Does the church/ministry have an evangelism ministry or plan? · Do you have a written ministry manual that any congregant can read and decide to be a part of (Again, Habakkuk 2:2)? · Do you have the foundational marketing pieces that every type of church/ministry must have to achieve maximum outreach, such as a website, newsletters, referral cards, etc. in place?
3. Are you using the word to guide the decisions for the church/ministry? · Proverbs 16:3 - Amplified Bible. Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]. · Luke 14:28-30 - The Message. 28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’
It is not enough to have a resolution. Isn’t that something you can attest to? How many resolutions have you made that you actually followed through on and fulfilled? Keep in mind: Ecclesiastes 5:5 - New International Version 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. If you do not have these organizational pieces in place, start now. If you are unsure how to get started, there is a ton of information out there. Another option for you is to complete this intake form. I can look at what you need and schedule you a free consultation. | | | | MORE From Personal Development
completion and follow through. Everyone runs into the same hole, regardless of age. We often find it difficult to sustain the discipline required to make our resolutions come true for one reason or the other.
Is this normal? Are there any tried and proven methods to help us attain the things we have as our New Year’s Resolutions? Yes. What’s better than a resolution? A plan! Do not choose another New Year’s resolution. Instead, choose a goal that has a plan built in. Do not join the bandwagon to make yearly pronouncements because everyone is doing so, instead, think profoundly and tactically. Design a plan to implement real change.
Planning means thinking through your proposed action in the long term and putting in place specific measures in the present to make those plans work out as you desire–and to your advantage. Do not plan in a vacuum. Ask yourself, “Is my goal S.M.A.R.T?” Let’s take, for example, you want a better job. Objective | Statement | S - specific | I want a better job. | M- measurable | A better job will increase my paycheck by $10/hour. | A - attainable | If I get certified or earn a degree, I can attain this goal. | R- realistic | It is very realistic; I check the classified weekly. | T -time-bound | By the end of the year. |
What do you need to add to this goal? Will writing the S.M.A.R.T objectives be enough? Certainly not! To achieve this goal, there are some specifics that you have to look at. Ask yourself: 1. Do I want to stay at the job I have and move up, or do I want a different job? · Whether you want to move to a different job or you want to move up on our same job, there is information you need.
o What are the qualifications required for the job you want?
§ If so, what is the next step?
§ If not, what do you need to do to meet them?
2. Do you have a level of organization in your life? · Making this kind of change requires an adjustment of your time and priorities. · It doesn’t mean that you drop something off that needs to be done; it means you adjust your schedule to add the things that would help you achieve your goal. · Take a thorough analysis into your activities and see where you can we adjust your time.
3. How will you stick to the plan? If you don’t stick to the plan, you have wasted the effort of creating one and turned your goal into a resolution. Having a S.M.A.R.T. goal is not what will make you successful it is following the plan that the goal lays out. Here are some things you should do: · Use Affirmative words to keep your plan going. Don’t second-guess yourself. Practice speaking positively to bring your plans into existence. You can achieve more if the words you use to support your plan are positive and not pessimistic.
o “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right [either way].” Henry Ford.
· It might be a good idea to have a visual representation of your goal to help you see your plan every day. Draw timelines, create milestones and highlight exact points (with dates) when you hope to achieve the small steps that will lead to your end-goal. Also, add the dates when you completed the small steps as inspiration.
o “Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.” Nelson Mandela.
· Identify someone to be your accountability partner. An accountability partner is someone who supports you in keeping your commitment to your desired goal. This person is often a trusted friend or acquaintance who will check in with you about your progress in a particular area. He/she will keep you on track always.
o “Get an accountability partner. Someone who isn’t scared of you…or your antics. But cares enough about you to tell you the truth. And will push you when you don’t want to be pushed.” Unknown.
· Build up your self-defenses; it’s going to be a bumpy ride ahead. There are no shortcuts to success. Life does not work that way. Without making sacrifices and staying the course, you will only accomplish little–if anything at all. You must pay the price to get the prize. Not seeing the results you envisioned as you begin to work on your goal does not mean it is not achievable. A great defense is to devise a way to celebrate your small victories along the way.
o “Stay the course. When thwarted try again; harder; smarter.” John Wooden
· You are better able to achieve your plan and attain your purpose when you have an actual picture of your well-defined goals. There are several ways to do that. Here are just a few:
o A gratitude board, where you express your gratitude for what you have or want to have.
o A dream life journal, where you write your goals and dreams in detail.
o A mind movie, where you create a video or slideshow of your desired outcomes.
o A cork pin board, a whiteboard, a wire board, or a magnetic board, where you can easily attach and rearrange your vision board elements
§ “If I can see it and believe it, then I can achieve it.” Arnold Schwarzenegger.
· Create some new habits and put a stop to the old ones that held you in the place you are in. By achieving your goal, you will learn new skills, see yourself differently, gain confidence and position yourself to achieve whatever you want.
o “The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” James Allen.
What is the point? Do not just wish and hope! The year is on the move already; you do not want to be among the millions (or billions) that will end up with regrets over unfulfilled resolutions when the year ends. Set our goal and become decisive, deliberate, and practical about what you have set out to achieve before the year runs out. It may look or seem impossible. But you can do it if you put your mind to it. The sooner you set your S.M.A.R.T. goal, the better. Once set, stick to the plan your goal developed, no matter the challenges you encounter. Also, stay away from people with negative energy who say, “you can’t.” If you do not have a S.M.A.R.T. goal, start now. If you are unsure how to get started, there is a ton of information out there. You also might benefit from coaching. You can also complete this intake form. I can look at what you need and schedule a free consultation. | | CALL (OR) EMAIL 904.830.0737 | help@drpamrussell.com
| | | |
Employment Offer A God Send, Inc. A federal 501(c)(3) non-profit has an offer for administrative support. The position is: - Part-time, one day slated for Friday. However, the day is negotiable.
- Payment is by 1099, NOT W-2
- $10.00/hr. more depending on experience
- More information can be found in the position description.
- If you want to apply, click here.
- If you know someone who is looking to work, please forward this information. You can also contact me, and I will reach out.
| | | | | |
.png)
