How to Choose the Right Metrics for Your Goals
As a small business owner, you might be wondering…
How do I know if I’m making progress on my goals?
It’s easy to get caught up in activity — checking off tasks, answering emails, putting out fires — and miss whether those actions are actually moving you forward. The solution is simple but powerful: measure what matters.
Why Metrics Matter
Metrics are like a compass. They tell you if you are on the right path or drifting off course. Without them, you risk:
Celebrating activity instead of progress
Feeling busy but not effective
Reaching the end of 12 weeks, unsure if anything really changed
When you track the right metrics, you create clarity and motivation.
How to Pick the Right Metrics
Not all numbers are created equal. To keep your 12-week plan effective, focus on a few key measures that tie directly to your priorities.
Here’s a simple framework:
Start with your 12-week goals. What outcomes did you commit to?
Choose a leading measure. These are actions you can control (e.g., outreach calls, weekly reconciliations, published posts).
Add a lagging measure. These show the results of your actions (e.g., new clients signed, accounts balanced, revenue growth).
Leading measures drive behavior. Lagging measures confirm impact. You need both.
A Simple Application: Pick One Success Measure
This week, try this quick exercise:
Look at one of your 12-week goals.
Ask: What’s the single most important measure that tells me I’m on track?
Write it down and track it weekly.
Just one clear metric can create a surprising amount of focus and accountability.
The Bottom Line
What gets measured gets managed. By choosing the right metrics for your 12-week goals, you stop guessing about your progress and start seeing tangible results.
Next Step
This is just one piece of what we cover in our Business Learning Library.
Inside, you will learn how to build a plan to execute and track your weekly plans.
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