Wrapping Up 2007

On today's Houston Business Show I visited with Andy Valadez of Marketing Dynamics and Jim Driscoll of the Houston Business Media Group and GoalAchieversClub.com to discuss several things, including how to bring the year to a close with a bang.

Of particular interest was our focus on goals versus resolutions, which is always an interesting topic. At some point virtually all adults have made resolutions, which I define as often vague statements about the way people wish things were. As people age they typically no longer pursue such, not because they don't want the changes, but because resolutions don't work. Enter the need for goals.

The difference between goals and many resolutions is multi-fold:

* Goals are achievable. They are something that the person who makes such is capable of accomplishing. Such isn't always the case with resolutions. This is because resolutions often come with poor planning as they will try to "solve" all of their problems in one sweeping move.

* Goals are quantifiable. This means they are specific and can even include a minimum goal and a superior goal. Resolutions are often vague and lack a specific measure.

* Goals have a specific time frame. They state when the desired changed will be accomplished. Some times the goals are short term, mid term, or long term, but they are always dated. Goals without dates are really mere dreams. This is the most important attribute of goal setting, in my opinion.

* Goals are written. This helps memory and makes one accountable.

They are more attributes to goal setting that Jim Driscoll will be writing about in his blog at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Keep track of his content and other information at the What's New Page of that web site.

The bottom line is that the change you desire is worth pursuing. The best way of pursuing such is through very specific goals.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show on CNN 650 (M-F at 11 AM) and can be heard live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Keep up with all of our media activities by subscribing to the Houston Business Review. The above video is of Jim Driscoll, Calvin Brown, and Steve Chaloupka being interviewed by Kevin Price on the Movers and Shakers Segment of the HoustonManufacturers.com TV Show. Each are Business Show Advisors at HoustonBusinessShow.com.