lutz logo
lutz logo
  • Services
  • News & Insights
  • About
  • Client Portal
Search
  • Services
  • Accounting
  • Advisory
  • Financial
  • M&A
  • Talent
  • Tech
  • Accounting Services
Services
  • Audit & Assurance
  • Client Advisory Services
  • Outsourced Accounting
  • Tax
  • Business Valuation
  • Litigation Support & Forensic
View All
Industries
  • Agribusiness
  • Construction
  • Family Office
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing & Distribution
  • Nonprofit
View All
News & Insights
Financial Access Checklist
Guide
Financial Access Checklist

Share this information with your spouse to assure you each have access to manage important financial tasks independently.

Read More
  • Advisory Services
Services
  • Accounting
  • Financial
  • M&A
  • Talent
  • Tech
View All
Resources
The Art of Budgeting
Recording
The Art of Budgeting + Smart Saving Strategies
Learn how to get your finances under control and increase your savings! Hear real-life examples and best practices to secure a successful future.
Watch Now
Business Insights
Comparing Business Valuation Methods
Blog
Comparing Business Valuation Methods: Which is Right for You?
Valuation experts rely on three primary approaches to determine the value of a business: income approach, asset approach, and market approach.
Read More
  • Financial Services
Services
  • Financial Planning
  • Investment Advisory
  • Retirement Plan Services
  • Pooled Employer 401(k) Plan
View All
Resources
  • Lutz Financial Blog
  • Our Team
  • Client Portal
  • Charles Schwab Login
  • Send Files Securely
Contact Us
NEWS & INSIGHTS
Website Featured Content Images
Market Commentary
Financial Market Updates

Read our latest financial market updates and sign up to receive them straight to your inbox.

Read More
  • M&A Services
Services
  • Sell-Side Representation
  • Transaction Advisory
  • Exit Planning
  • Business Valuation
View All
Resources
Selling a C Corporation
Blog
Factors to Consider When Selling a C Corporation

Understand the tax issues affecting both buyers and sellers involved in C corporation merger and acquisition transactions

Read More
Business Insights
Post-Acquisition Checklist
Guide
Post-Acquisition Checklist for a Seamless Transition
To help you navigate this critical period, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist covering key areas that demand attention after the deal closes. 
Read More
  • Talent Services
Services
  • Search & Staffing
  • Outsourced HR
  • HR Consulting
View All
Candidate Resources
  • Job Seeker Process
  • Current Opportunities
  • Lutz Internships
Contact Us
News & Insights
Overcoming Bias in Recruitment
Blog
Unconscious Bias in Recruitment: How to Overcome It
Learn how to take the bias out of recruitment and build a diverse, talented workforce with these tips.
Read More
  • Tech Services
Services
  • Outsourced IT
  • Data Analytics
  • Technology Strategy
  • Software Consulting
View All
Resources
When to outsource your IT
Blog
How to Know When It's Time to Partner with an IT Pro

One day your technology seems manageable, and the next you're wondering if you need more support. Here are the clear signs it's time to outsource your IT.

Read More
Business Insights
Untitled design (1)-Mar-08-2024-08-50-35-9527-PM
Video
Pella Client Testimonial
"I've used them for valuation work, stock transfers, hosting all of my technology, and now data analytics. I'd say they lead the pack in terms of anticipating what I'm going to need before I even know I need it."
View Now
Business Insights
BLOG
Explore Topics

Get the latest news and insights on relevant topics that matter most to you.

View All
Webinars & Events
Events
Register Today

Register for an upcoming event or access our library of on-demand recordings.

View All
Market Updates
COMMENTARY
Stay Informed

Catch up on market moves with our weekly update, featuring in-depth insights and analysis.

View All
Resources
EBOOKS & GUIDES
Download Now

Take a deep dive into challenging business topics with these free educational resources. 

View All
  • News & Insights
  • Business Insights
  • Webinars & Events
  • Market Updates
  • Resources
Business Insights
BLOG
Explore Topics

Get the latest news and insights on relevant topics that matter most to you.

View All
  • About
About

Lutz is a business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten economic and organizational success.

Our Company
Our Team
Offices
Careers
Internships
Contact Us
  • Contact
Client Portal

Log in to your relevant client portal to access your account, upload documents, or make a payment.

Make a Payment
Accounting Client Portal
Financial Client Portal
Charles Schwab Login
Send Files Securely
Contact Us
  • Talent

Goal-Setting Guidelines for the Road of Life

Marisa Gift, Learning & Development Manager
January 30, 2017
Goal-Setting Guidelines for the Road of Life

Stanley Judd said, “A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.” In the same way, it is essential to identify your goal before you can move forward. After all, you want to minimize any wrong turns or traffic delays during a goal-setting journey just as you do a road trip! Here are a few tips for effective goal-setting.

1. Do your homework. If you are serious about setting goals, you should first do research on SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for five important components to crafting an effective goal. SMART goals are ones that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-based. Read more here:  https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm

2. Document your goals. Once you have your SMART goal, you can choose what method works best for you to document it (on paper, in a journal, online, etc.). The method doesn’t matter so long as your goal is visible and not tucked away in a drawer. Seeing your goal regularly helps you keep it front of mind.

3. Develop both long-term and short-term goals. Many of us set lofty goals and then grow frustrated when we don’t achieve them in a short amount of time. Let’s face it, we’re used to instant gratification in today’s tech-heavy world. To help offset this frustration, consider breaking a large goal into smaller mini goals. This will allow you to more easily see success along the way, and therefore, keep striving toward that final destination!

4. Regularly assess your goal progress. It is important to check in with your goal on a regular basis to stay focused. Mark your calendar now! You can choose weekly, monthly or quarterly check-in’s depending upon your preference and schedule.

5. Ask for help. It often takes a village to accomplish a goal! Take a step back to identify resources that would help you succeed in this endeavor. Then, take the next step, and approach those people who can lend a hand.

6. Say good-bye to your goal when necessary. In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, a goal can lose its relevance quickly. Don’t be afraid to say good-bye to a goal if it no longer makes sense. Turn your attention and energy toward something more beneficial.

The next time you decide to set a goal, pause for a moment and make sure you know where you want to go. Remember that most of us wouldn’t leave on a road trip without knowing our final destination! Use the SMART acronym and these tips to help get you where you want to be on the road of life.

  • Responsibility, Discipline, Achiever, Relator, Learner

Marisa Gift

Learning & Development Manager

Marisa Gift, Learning & Development Manager, began her career in 2002. With experience in higher education and professional development, she brings valuable expertise to her role at Lutz. 

Focusing on curriculum design and training facilitation, Marisa creates comprehensive learning programs that support the firm's professional growth. She develops customized training content, facilitates engaging sessions, and helps lead the Development Lead program and feedback processes. Marisa takes a well-rounded approach to learning design—starting with understanding the needs and ending with content that’s practical, relevant, and fun. What she enjoys most is seeing the learning process in action—watching people connect the dots and use what they’ve learned to grow professionally. Her background in communication and education enables her to translate complex topics into accessible learning experiences that resonate with learners across the firm. 

 

Marisa lives in Omaha, NE, with her husband Alan, their children Tyler and Sienna, and their dog Tippy. Outside the office, you can find her cheering on her kids at ice rinks and soccer fields, singing, playing piano, and supporting the Drake Bulldogs. 

 

402.496.8800

mgift@lutz.us

Connect on LinkedIn

Recent News & Insights

Accounting
Update: Tax Highlights of “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill”
July 7, 2025 Update: On July 3, 2025, Congress finalized and passed “The One Big Beautiful ...
Read More
Ag
From Seed to Scale: Tax & Operational Strategies for AgTech Startups
Growing a startup takes more than a great idea. It takes intentional decisions around how to ...
Read More
401(K)
Case Study: A Smarter 401(k) Strategy for a Busy Doctor's Office
THE BACKGROUND Two physician-owners with a team of 34 employees had relied on the same 401(k) ...
Read More
Private Practice
Recruiting medical talent? Know the Tax Implications of Modern Compensation Packages
With the average medical school debt now exceeding $200,000 and nearly 35% of physicians ...
Read More
module-bg-desktop module-bg-mobile

Let’s get you where you want to go.

We work to simplify complexities, help make critical business decisions, and confidently focus on the things that are truly important to you. We embrace your business as our own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive.
Contact Us
Lutz-Logo-white
  • Services
    • Accounting
    • Consulting
    • Financial
    • M&A
    • Talent
    • Tech
  • About
    • Our Company
    • Our Team
    • Offices
    • Careers
    • Internships
    • Current Opportunities
  • Client Portal
    • Make a Payment
    • Accounting Client Portal
    • Financial Client Portal
    • Send Files Securely
    Submit RFP
TOLL-FREE: 866.577.0780 | © Lutz & company, PC 2025 | Privacy Policy
Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Twitter - X Logo Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook