As you prepare for a new year, how many of you are drifting into 2026 hoping things will just get better? Hope is not a plan. In the portable sanitation trades, the professionals who grow, earn more, and move into leadership are the ones who set clear, strategic goals.

Why Goal Setting Matters

Whether you are an operator, crew supervisor, fleet manager, or business owner, intentional goal-setting transforms wishful thinking into actionable plans. Clear goals give you direction and help you measure progress.

The 5-Step Goal-Setting Framework:

1. Reflect on the Past Year - Review your successes and challenges. What worked? What did not? What equipment performed well?

2. Define Clear, Measurable Goals - Instead of vague targets, set specifics: Increase service routes from 15 to 18, reduce equipment downtime by 20%, or train 3 new crew leads.

3. Break Goals Into Quarterly Milestones - Annual goals feel distant. Break them into quarterly targets to stay focused.

4. Invest in Development - Whether it is new equipment, certifications, or training programs, budget for development that supports your goals.

5. Create Accountability - Share your goals with a mentor. Regular check-ins keep you accountable and help you course-correct early.

Your Action Plan This Week

Block two hours to write down 3-5 major goals for 2026. Make them specific and measurable. Break each goal into quarterly milestones and identify the first actions for January.