Whether you’re setting goals as a final expense insurance agent, a dutiful spouse, or an individual looking to better yourself, these tips will help you process how to set achievable goals.
Tip #1: Write it down!
Research has shown that writing thoughts down helps your brain process those thoughts more fully. Take a pen and paper (yes, actual paper!) and make a list of the goals you want to accomplish. If there’s one big goal you’re focused on, write it multiple times. This is an exercise for your brain to log that goal in your long term memory. The kinesthetic act of writing puts the goal in your body, and the visual act of seeing your goal written on paper will keep it in the forefront of your mind. Try saying this goal aloud a few times—this will spark your auditory memory as well.
Tip #2: Determine if you’re goal is long-term or short-term.
Categorize goals into long term or short term. Make a T-chart on your paper with two columns; one for short-term goals and one for long-term goals. Ask yourself these questions to help categorize your goals: Can this be accomplished in 6 months or less? If so, you’re looking short term. Does this goal need to be broken down into steps? If yes, that’s probably a long-term goal. Do I need assistance from others to accomplish this goal? Goals that involve other people are usually long term goals.
Tip #3: Setting SMART goals.
Now that your list is categorized, it’s time to really consider the achievability of the goal you have set for yourself. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Tangible. Really look at each and every goal you have written down, whether long-term or short-term, and process the quality of this goal. How can you make it more tangible? How can you motivate yourself to work toward it? How can you break it up to make it more realistic? What do you need to achieve this goal?
Don’t be afraid to re-write, revise, and re-think! Goal setting is a process, just like achieving.
For the Preneed Insurance Agent: help your clients set goals as well.
Pre-planning can be overwhelming if attempted all at once, and a successful agent remembers that clients are in a process of achievement as well. The best business relationships are when a client has a need that an agent can fulfill. Use these tips to fulfill the needs of your clients as they make long-term goals for their future.
As a final expense insurance agent, your job is really to facilitate the goal-setting process for each and every client who comes through your door.
To improve your goal-setting facilitation, ask yourself these questions: How can I better help my clients visualize the benefits of pre-need insurance? Have I broken up this large, long-term goal into smaller, more achievable bits for the client? How can I present pre-planning as a SMART goal to my clients?
