In my line of work, I cross many people with goals and dreams. I even see them start the process. I watch them knock out 80% of the easy things…the busy work. When it’s time to get into the nitty gritty, the 20% of the hard work that will bring in 80% of the revenues…well, that’s when the rubber seems to leave the road.
How do we get past the hard part that pushes us to being profitable? How do we wake each day and delegate those easy tasks to someone else so we can focus on the task of building a sustainable business? Where does our daily dose of motivation come? How do we strengthen our resolve to fortify our efforts?
Okay, enough questions, I think you get my point. I have a few tips to help you get over the hump. Before I start, I’d like you to consider what you think success really is. Don’t let Hollywood define this for you. YOU. Yes, I mean you. Take some time to close your eyes and visualize what a “successful” life really looks like to you.
For example, I love looking at mansion. They are fabulous! However, I’ve never wanted a house that large. No matter how rich I am, I like cozy spaces. My dream house will be about 4,000 SF. This is a challenge for me, but it’s also extremely realistic and it makes me happy when I dream of raising my family in it. Although this is just one superficial example, take that and run with it. You must know what you are truly after to reach your goals. I mean, you did have a goal in mind when you started this business right? RIGHT! So let’s get to the finish line! Never be afraid to get to the finish line and then start a new race. You can always continue to reach new heights.
With your goals in mind and your version of success in tact, let’s review some tips on how to help get you there:
- Manage your activity: This is probably the hardest part for anyone, because at some point you simply must decide if you are going to be truly successful, or if you are simply going to be busy. Managing your activity means establishing some routines and rituals that help you get the basics tasks you must accomplish daily, weekly or monthly done on time and consistently enough to make an impact. What regular tasks do you need to accomplish to see results? Takes these tasks and fit them into a time frame that is reasonable. Set an alarm to help you remember to do them until they become second nature.
- Use your resources: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people tell me of all the resources they’ve learned about…but haven’t actually tapped into yet. Why not? You know about a workshop but haven’t signed up? You know about a program that can help you….fill in the blank but you haven’t joined? You know about a person who is knowledgeable in your industry but you haven’t set up a coffee date yet? You created a business plan but you haven’t followed it? Why not? You cannot blame others for your lack of follow through. There are all sorts of resources available to help you become the success you want to be in your life. But knowing the resources exist is only half the battle. You must pull the trigger. You have to actually utilize the resources for them to be helpful.
- Be Self-Aware: One of the best things you can do for yourself is be brutally honest. Really give yourself some feedback. Take time to flesh out your emotions, identify your strengths and weaknesses, learn what makes your tick, what gets you moving. When are you most productive? Early morning, mid days or evening? Do your actions back up your talk?
Take the time to notice these things about yourself. If you can come to terms with who you truly are today, you can navigate towards being who you want to be. Now, don’t get me wrong here, I never advocate not liking the person you are, but a part of both personal and professional growth is the process of improving and learning. So use this self-evaluation as part of your learning process to strengthen yourself where you are weak. This may include realizing when you get the most work done, and saving your hardest projects for that time, or you may see that you need an accountability partner (another blog for another time). This may mean finding some technology that helps your productivity.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Each of them take some effort. Each of them pay off. If this was helpful for you, don’t be stingy, hit the share button and feel free to leave a comment below!
~JMJ