Goal setting for executive assistants is important because a well-thought-out plan creates a clear path to unlimited success. Without a detailed map laying out your professional journey, how will you know which direction to go? At Base, we understand that executive assistants (EAs) have what seems like endless hats to wear and tasks to juggle. With all the things that require your attention on the day-to-day, it can be super easy to put your own wants and needs on the backburner.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case. We offer the tools, resources, and support to make setting goals as an executive assistant easier than ever before. You’re deserving of the same time and attention you give to others. So, start thinking about what you want to accomplish in the next three months, in the next year, or the next five years. Get your mind interested in what you yourself can accomplish, so you can grow to be an even better EA and, most importantly, an even better you.
Keep reading for more insights on why goal setting for executive assistants is important and how Base can help.
Why are Goals Important?
Goals are a loyal guide through life—the structure many of us need to be our best selves. When we set goals, we shift behaviors, stay focused, and learn a lot along the way. Setting the right goals will not only give you purpose as an EA, but it will also help you understand what actions to take to propel forward in your career and personal life. Here are the three reasons you should be setting goals for yourself:
1. Goals Give You Clarity
Just like you can’t plan a dream vacation without picking a destination, you can’t set goals without finding out what you really want. When goal-setting, ask yourself: what do I want for myself, and why do I want it? This will get you thinking about what’s important to you. Write a few things down and see if they can be made into a measurable goal.
Maybe you want to see how you can level up as an executive assistant in the next month, or maybe you’d like to take things slower and get a PMP certification. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to decide what’s important to you and consciously work towards getting there. Beginning with the end in mind can make it easier to see what you need to accomplish and the realistic steps you can take to reach your goal.
2. Goals Help Protect Your Energy
Especially in today’s world, our time and energy are our most valuable resources. Setting goals can help you understand where you should be directing your energy and spending your time. When we have a clear view of our end goal, we’re far less likely to engage in distractions. By prioritizing yourself and saying no to the things in life that get in the way of your goals, you’ll stay driven and, more importantly, accountable.
When we set far-fetched objectives or goals that don’t align with what we need, it can be hard to find the motivation to keep working towards them. It’s important to understand upfront how much time and energy you’ll need to be dedicating to your goals. While some goals will be more fluid, some may have concrete deadlines that require more time and energy. Understanding your executive assistant objectives and their timeline allows you to properly plan out how you can obtain your goals without depleting yourself.
3. Goals Offer a Step-By-Step Guide
Let’s say your goal is to be a pro event/travel planner, or you want to learn how to use Photoshop. These are great goals, but you wouldn’t be able to add them to your daily to-do list. Most goals need to be broken down into smaller, more attainable steps. If you’ve never planned an itinerary or edited photos a day in your life, you don’t want to try to accomplish these things on a short-term basis. You’ll need to first figure out what tools, programs, and various other small steps you’ll need to take before anything big can happen.
The little, seemingly insignificant steps you take to achieve your goals are just as important as your executive assistant goals themselves. The step-by-step journey is what gets you to your ideal destination—it matters! Even when it feels like you have a long way to go, breaking your goals down into attainable steps can make them seem way less scary. Look at your goals as little steps you need to take every day to set yourself up for the future; you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up. Being able to see the smaller steps you’ve taken toward your bigger goals is oh-so motivating.
Reach Your Executive Assistant Objectives With Base
Having goals and knowing where you want to go makes setting executive assistant objectives much more manageable. As an EA, it’s important to realize that even though you dedicate your career to serving others, you still need some TLC. When you sit down to plan out your goals, think about giving yourself what you give to others.
Do you want more goal setting, planning, and project management resources? Join our community of nearly 3,000 assistants, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
