Let me be honest with you. I HAVE A HARD TIME STAYING FOCUSED.
Whew, it feels good to get that out (more on this later). Just last week, Wil and I finished putting onto paper our major business goals for 2014.
We have some projects scheduled and prospects in the pipeline already that it only made sense to focus on the first half of the year. In a few short months, we will measure our activity and recalibrate what needs to be done for the remainder of the year.
Let me take a step back to focus on why I mentioned my lack of focus. We all have flaws of one kind or another. Instead of allowing your flaws to hinder your business, use them to your advantage. I may have trouble focusing on one thing for very long, BUT when it comes to getting things done, I find this easy and fulfilling. In fact, I typically get more done in one day than many people that I know.
I share this because I hope to inspire you to use your work style to your advantage. Instead of focusing on what you aren’t good at or can’t do, concentrate on what you do well and use that as the foundation to build a more successful business this year.
Do you have difficulty with any of the following:
• Staying focused | • Reaching your potential |
• Setting goals | • Working through difficulty |
• Completing projects | • Building new relationships |
• Staying accountable | • Generating revenue |
If you do find it a challenge to improve in the areas above (and others not listed), I want to prove to you that you can overcome any deficit you believe that you have.
Listed above are 8 apparent obstacles. How many of them do you believe hinder your success? Write out your own list of so-called stumbling blocks that prevented you from reaching your 2013 goals.
Now, here is where things get fun!
I guarantee you that for every hurdle that seems to be in your path, you can think of three positive habits, skills or qualities that will enable you to circumvent these apparent difficulties.
I guarantee you that for every hurdle that seems to be in your path, you can think of three positive habits, skills or qualities that will enable you to circumvent these apparent difficulties.
For example, if staying focused seems to be arduous, write three qualities that you have that overwhelms your lack of focus.
Perhaps you are good at:
- Generating new useful ideas
- Completing your most important tasks
- Following up on new business leads.
See, that was easy.
What is the point?
To help you to look at this new year as a time of immeasurable opportunity and possibility.
So, instead of highlighting your flaws, remember that you have an abundance of healthy traits that will give you the energy that you need to grow your business this year.
Let the mistakes and regrets of last year stay in the past. The only things that you want to extract from 2013 are the good ideas, habits and activities that will propel you towards the success that you desire for 2014. How can you do that?
Step #1 – Decide what you want to accomplish.
Step #2 – Write a plan for accomplishing your objective.
Step #3 – Add tasks with completion dates and milestones.
Step #4 – Create accountability.
Step #5 – Take action on your plan.
Step #6 – Review actions and measure results.
Step #7 – Make appropriate adjustments and stick to your plan
Sure, I have a hard time focusing on one thing at a time. There are a few other negative traits that I have that could pose a threat to the success of my business. However, and this is a BIG HOWEVER, I refuse to allow anything to stop me.
I hope that you will have the same determination this year in your business.
You can accomplish all that you put your mind to if you commit to your success. Before you allow your “faults” to stand in the way of your success, remember that you have several positive traits and habits that will help you to overcome obstacles. Use these traits and habits to your advantage by following the seven steps mentioned.
If you need any help at all with the seven steps, email me or call me (510.601.0470) to schedule a complementary “Profit Breakthrough” session and together we’ll create a customized planned for your success.
Lorna Kirkby says
Thanks Sydni. Always encouraging and helpful. Hope you have a fantastic year.
Sydni Craig-Hart says
You’re welcome Lorna! What goals are you working towards in 2014?