Set your goals for next year from lessons learnt in 2014

It is the time of year again, where the question “did you achieve your 2014 goals?” becomes very common. As every year, 2014 has been busy and an active year for me on my professional and entrepreneurial fronts.

Given the diversity of projects I juggle, a lot of people are often confused about what do I exactly do for a living. Two words would sum it up: a lot, from consulting, writing, to working on community projects. This year has been extra special because I have progressed in all of those areas. It is not challenge-free, and requires constant determination, but the feeling at the end of the day of achieving what one really is passionate about is priceless.

As rewarding as it feels, juggling multiple projects has its challenges. Being successful does not mean that your journey is struggle-free. In fact, struggle could be the ingredient that would push you towards success.

Looking back at an eventful year, there were valuable lessons learnt that I would be sharing with you in hopes that it would aid you in your entrepreneurial journey.

In a constantly changing world, successful people stay ahead. Entrepreneurs who resist change often lose at the end of the game. If you are wondering why things are so hard for you on the business front, take a step back and see if you are going with the flow or are resisting new ways of doing things.

Entrepreneurs lead people to move forward. They do not launch something and expect that to be long lasting. As they launch their product or service, they are already thinking two steps ahead – tuning in to the changes or advancements on the technological and business front, and figuring out ways of including them in their next products and services.

Never settle. Just because you are good at a task or a job that does not make you happy, does not mean that you should be stuck at it for the rest of your life. If you dream about pursuing something and are passionate about it, then that is enough reason for you to pursue your entrepreneurial goal. Keep in mind that the road might not be easy and that your current job might be a stroll in the park in comparison, but that does not mean that you will not be able to do it.

Everything will work out for you when you are passionate about your dream. Over the years I have discovered that when I am strongly passionate about a goal, somehow everything aligns for me to help me pursue it. I either bump into someone who would aid me to fulfil that dream, or stumble upon an opportunity. It may seem hard in the beginning. You even might feel that you want to quit. But when you do experience that feeling, that is your cue to stay in the game and work harder. That is your cue that you are so close to achieving your goal.

I have learnt that the people you surround yourself with, whether physically or people whom you read about and follow their work, are equally important as the dreams and goals you are pursuing. Surround yourself with people who would help you reach your goals, who would encourage you – people you learn from. Cut the involvement of those who bring you down and discourage you.

Last but not least, make your dream every part of your day. See it on a post-it note on your bathroom mirror; on a paper taped on your door that you cannot miss as you leave the room. Have a support group or a trusted friend to whom you can speak about your dreams. This has personally helped me as I have achieved my goals. Doing so has served as a constant reminder for me to pursue my dreams, and every time I felt like I wanted to slack off, the papers I had stuck around my room looked down at me and reminded me about the importance of my dream.

Depending on what you do, there are many lessons to be learnt. The important thing is to use those lessons to help you as you progress. Look back at what you have learnt so far, and see how you could incorporate it in your goals next year. The top of your list should include this statement: “I can do it. And I will”.

Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer based in Abu Dhabi. Follow her on Twitter: @manar_alhinai.

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