The following article may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. This doesn’t cost you anything, and shopping or using our affiliate partners is a way to support our mission. I will never work with a brand or showcase a product that I don’t personally use or believe in.

Accomplishing Your Biggest Goals

It’s the beginning of a new season in your life. You’re committed to getting more clients, making more money, having more of an impact in your community. You’re setting your goals, your intentions, making your “must accomplish” list.

Flash-forward: It’s the end of the month. It’s halfway through the year. It’s December 31. Those goals you set? Halfway done or never touched. No progress. What gives?

I’m a fan of goals. I write them down in the front of every notebook I’ll touch. I had a few concrete ones for my business this year: launch my blog, get interviewed on a podcast, speak on a panel, have an article on another publication about my career, start monetizing my blog… When I first made this list, I didn’t know how any of these were going to get crossed off. They all seemed lofty and unattainable.

And yet, I will accomplish all of them by autumn.

Earlier this year, my blog launch was the only thing completed. I had made no progress on my other must-dos and didn’t know why. Why weren’t podcast hosts reaching out to me? Why was no one interested in hearing my thoughts on a panel or in an interview? I was creating quality content, was updating my website and social profiles, and had a contact page! Where were all those emails?

Chances are, you’ve thought something similar:

“I’m not getting any leads for clients.”

“I’m a freelance writer, but no one is asking to feature my work.”

“I thought a recruiter would have had me in mind for that job.”

“No brands have reached out to partner with me.”

Here’s the tough love that I didn’t want to hear (but absolutely needed to know): no one is going to present you anything on a silver platter.

You’re thinking, “Well yeah, I know that. It takes hard work.”

But working hard is not enough.

READ MORE — Get the Raise You Deserve: The Ultimate Compilation

Even if you produce incredible content, provide innovative services, work hard at your job — no one notices. Harsh, but true.

Every year, I pick a quote. This quote has (and will) be my driving force, something I return to when I’m stuck.

 

“A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.”

How did I get interviewed by a podcast? I connected with a podcast host on Twitter and I pitched myself. How did I find a blogger to talk to me about my career? She wrote for the same publication I did, and I pitched myself. How did I land a panel at an international conference? I pitched myself.

How do I get digital marketing clients? I do my research and contact them first. How do I get paid the market rate for those services? I negotiate and demand what’s fair.

You are the master of your own destiny. You make it happen. Be vulnerable. Go out there and pitch yourself. Do your homework, tell your story, and offer yourself up to the universe.

Ask that potential mentor out to coffee. Present a new idea to your boss (or better yet, ask for the raise that’s long overdue.) Reach out to a brand for partnership. Email that blog for a collaboration.

“A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.”

Ready to start killing those goals? Learn more about 1:1 career and entrepreneur coaching. 

 

RESOURCES

I get asked all the time: what are your favorite tools as a personal finance/career blogger?

These are platforms and tools I use on a daily basis — I could not run my business (or life!) without them, and hope you find them as useful as I do!

Buffer: Makes social media scheduling an absolute breeze, and with built-in analytics tools, it will be your new best friend. Click here to try it for free.

Airbnb: If you’ve never experienced Airbnb, I cannot recommend it enough. You feel like a local in the city, save money on expensive hotel rooms (by being able to cook your own food!), and always know your stuff is safe (bye, sketchy hostels!) Click here for $40 off your first stay!

Coupons.com: An app that gives you free printable and digital coupons for all your favorite products.