Most small business owners don’t fail because they lack skill. They drift. They get caught in the noise — payroll, BAS, quotes, staff issues, job delays, cash flow pressure. Weeks roll into months. Months roll into years. And one day they wake up wondering how they ended up running a business they never consciously designed.

That’s not going to be you. This weekend, I want you to do something different. Not work in the business. Work on the direction of your life.

The Hard Truth

If you don’t write your goals, you will live someone else’s. Your suppliers’ expectations. Your clients’ urgency. The ATO’s deadlines. Your staff’s problems.

But when you write clear goals, something shifts. You move from reacting… to deciding. And that’s where power comes from.

Why Goals Matter for Family Businesses

As a family-owned business, this isn’t just about turnover.

It’s about:

• The lifestyle you’re building
• The example you’re setting for your kids
• The stress levels at the dinner table
• Whether you feel proud — or exhausted

You didn’t start your business to feel trapped. You started it for freedom. For impact. For security. For something better. Goals reconnect you to that original reason.

A Simple Framework for This Weekend

Don’t over complicate it. Use four categories:

1. Business

• Revenue target?
• Profit target?
• Team structure?
• Systems you must fix?
• Clients you want more of — and less of?

2. Money

• Personal income goal?
• Debt reduction?
• Super contributions?
• Investment targets?

3. Family & Lifestyle

• Holidays?
• Time off?
• Health commitments?
• Date nights?
• Sport with the kids?

4. Personal Growth

• Courses?
• Fitness?
• Leadership?
• Public speaking?
• Faith or mindset work?

Write them down. Not in your head. On paper.

Make It Real

Before committing to any big goal, ask:

• What is the purpose?
• What does the completed result look like?
• What must be true for this to be a success?
• What’s possible if I take action?
• What’s at risk if I don’t?

That last question matters. What happens if you stay where you are? Because doing nothing is still a decision.

Here’s the Shift

Goals are not about pressure. They’re about clarity. When you’re clear: Decisions get easier. Pricing becomes firmer. Boundaries become stronger. You stop tolerating low-profit work. You start building a business that funds your life — not consumes it.

And when your business is profitable and structured properly, everything changes at home too. Calmer conversations. More options. More generosity. More joy.

Your 60-Minute Challenge

Block out one hour this weekend. No phone. No emails. No distractions.

Write:

• Your 12-month revenue goal.
• Your profit goal.
• One system you will fix.
• One personal commitment you will honour.
• One lifestyle outcome you refuse to compromise on.

Then tell your spouse or partner. Make it real.

Design your business

The businesses that grow aren’t run by the smartest people. They’re run by the clearest people. Clarity creates momentum. Momentum creates confidence. Confidence creates growth.

This weekend, don’t just run your business. Design it. Because the future version of you — calmer, wealthier, healthier — is waiting for the decision you make in the next 60 minutes. Now go write it

👉 Book a Business Health Check and start turning today’s effort into tomorrow’s freedom.

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If you would like a little help, please get in touch with us for assistance. We can help with your business, bookkeeping, tax and SMSF requirements.

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Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Based on content from Mindshop, a trusted resource for business advisors worldwide. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.