We are almost through the first quarter of the year.
Let me ask you a real question.
Are you where you thought you’d be by now?
Not where you hoped.
Not where you meant to be.
Where you actually are.
Because this is the moment most business owners either get honest… or start making excuses.
The Reality Most People Avoid
At the start of the year, goals feel clear.
You’re motivated.
You’ve got ideas.
You’ve got energy.
But then real life kicks in.
Clients need you.
Problems pop up.
Your schedule fills up.
You start reacting instead of leading.
Before you know it, you look up and realize:
You’ve been busy…
…but you haven’t actually moved forward.
And you are not alone.
A study often cited by the Dominican University of California found that people who write down their goals and share them with someone are significantly more likely to achieve them than those who don’t. (Source: https://www.dominican.edu/sites/default/files/2020-10/gail_matthews_study.pdf)
It is not just about having goals.
It is about structure and accountability.
Not On Track? Here’s Why
If you are not where you want to be right now, it is usually not because you are lazy or incapable.
It is because of one of these:
1. Your goals were not clear enough
“Grow my business” is not a goal. It is a wish.
2. You did not break them into action steps
A goal without a plan stays stuck in your head.
3. You got stuck in day-to-day work
You spent your time working in your business instead of on it.
4. No one is holding you accountable
Without accountability, priorities shift fast.
5. You are trying to figure it all out alone
This is where momentum dies.
This Is Where a Coach Changes Everything
Working with a coach is not about motivation.
It is about clarity, structure, and execution.
A good coach helps you:
• get clear on what actually matters
• turn goals into measurable targets
• break those targets into weekly action steps
• identify what is slowing you down
• stay focused on the right priorities
• stay accountable week after week
A coach is not there to “cheer you on.”
A coach is there to make sure you follow through.
Accountability Is the Game Changer
Let’s be honest.
You already know what you should be doing.
The question is… are you doing it consistently?
According to research from the American Society of Training and Development:
- You have a 10% chance of completing a goal if you just have an idea
- A 25% chance if you decide to do it
- A 40% chance if you set a deadline
- A 65% chance if you commit to someone
- A 95% chance if you have regular accountability meetings
(Source: https://www.atd.org)
That is not a small difference.
That is the difference between staying stuck and actually growing.
The Second Quarter Is Coming… Fast
Here is the good news.
You do not have to wait until next year to fix this.
You have another quarter coming up.
Another opportunity to:
• reset your goals
• fix your strategy
• get focused
• take control of your time
• build momentum
But if you go into the next quarter with the same approach, you will get the same results.
It’s Time to Take Control
If you are not where you want to be right now, do not ignore it.
Use it.
This is your checkpoint.
This is your opportunity to step back, get clear, and make a real plan.
If you need help structuring your time and priorities, this article may also help:
👉 https://coachingwithshannonford.com/taking-control-of-your-day-part-1/
Ready to Get Back on Track?
If you are a business owner who is ready to:
• set clear goals
• create a real plan
• stay accountable
• and actually follow through
then it may be time to work with a coach.
You can learn more about working with me here:
👉 https://coachingwithshannonford.com/private-coaching/
Or if you want structured weekly guidance in a group setting:
👉 https://coachingwithshannonford.com/rise_weekly/
Final Thought
You do not need more ideas.
You need a plan.
You need focus.
You need accountability.
And most of all…
You need to decide that this year is not going to slip by like the last one.
Because the first quarter is almost over.
The real question is…
What are you going to do with the next one?
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