Ambition is a superpower, but at times, it can be complex to navigate. As a leader, creating business goals is likely a constant action item. Leaders take on the challenge of determining the priority of those business goals, how they’re executed, who needs to be sourced to execute, when to execute, what’s the consequence if your goals are not executed, what’s the reward if they are executed, etc. As you can see, this is easily a long road to go down but we’re only going up (with the chance of an obstacle or two along the way) so let’s begin the journey.
Action 1: Think Big. Start Small
Consider the little things you can do on a daily basis to create mini-victories and a winning mentality. What are the small actions you can take each day to contribute to your success? Establishing excellent habits can be a strong indicator of how successful or challenging your trajectory will be.
Ask yourself, are your habits accelerating or hindering you from reaching your business goals? Go a step further and do a confidence check to make sure there’s not a self-sabotage culprit consuming your energy and preventing you from achieving greatness. You must be your biggest cheerleader.
Action 2: Track your Success
It’s important that you count each win. In order to do this, first list your business goals and identify the ranking of each. Time management is imperative, especially when you’re tackling multiple goals simultaneously. Give each goal its best chance to be achieved through its own strategic plan and deadline.
This effort might start with mind mapping, a list of action steps or a dedicated business plan. Whatever the necessary steps are to produce results, make sure your plan includes measurable targets and leaves room for wins that can’t easily be quantified. Contributions to your work culture, the development of people and to your community are all notable milestones.
Action 3: Execute Realistically & Fearlessly
Now that there’s a plan in place, have a backup and a backup for the backup. Operating with the realistic expectation that not everything will go to plan will help manage disappointment.
Be confident and persistent. Move on quickly from a “no” and don’t wait too long for a “yes.” One of the biggest threats and catalysts to achieving your goals is waiting on someone else. When your intuition indicates the wait is too long, pivot. I’m not suggesting abandoning the mission but consider re-strategizing or as a last resort, pause and revisit later.
Solicit a team. Even if you don’t need anyone to help you execute, an accountability partner could be your key factor to goal completion. Plus, they’re typically free. Your team should also include advocates. These opportunity connectors are the people championing you. Take time to foster these critical relationships.
Action 4: Celebrate
Start the celebration early by counting the mini-victories. This is crucial, especially during our seasons of waiting. Every bit of motivation helps push us toward our goals.
Sometimes we’re moving so fast through life that we don’t even realize when we have achieved some of our goals. You deserve to count each win, so I encourage you to take time to celebrate yourself.
Amber Martin
