“Take your business to the next level.”
How many times have you read, heard or said this phase, or a derivation of it? Probably so often that it barely registers at this point. Yet we continue to overuse it in describing our goals, or what we want to accomplish for clients. However, have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “The next level of what?”
What exactly does this mystical “next level” look like? Is it fame, fortune, retirement, financial independence, peace of mind? Do you have a clear vision of what the next level means for you or for your business? And what is required to get there?
If you don’t have a clear vision of what the next level looks like, then how do you expect it to become a reality?
“Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality. It can be no other way. This is not philosophy. This is physics.” – Albert Einstein
Great results are the key to business success, and great vision is a key to everything. Taking Einstein’s quote further, “No Vision, No Plan, No Results = No Reality.” Or at least, not the reality you had hoped for.
So, don’t just start off a new calendar year or planning cycle with good intentions. Strive for excellence and be great every day in order to realize those desired outcomes.
Create the vision. What does your “next level” look like? There’s a great saying; “People who set out without a target hit it 100% of the time!” Be able to clearly articulate your vision so that others you rely upon for support can help you get there. Where are you today? And, what will be required to reach the next level?
Develop a plan for success. Make sure it is written and covers everything you want to be, have and do in the ‘Five F’ areas – Faith, Family, Finances, Fitness and Fun. Why? Because each of these areas are interrelated and important for life balance and growth. As an example, fitness and health are related to everything we do, think and feel.
Balance short- and long-term goals. Goal-setting and horizon planning should be centered on the next 30-60-90 days to enable you to stay on target and effectively monitor your progress. Keep longer-term goals in front of you (and your team), but don’t allow yourself to get too far in front of your headlights, particularly when it comes to major investments or life-changing decisions.
Make continuous improvement a priority. Focus on what to do better versus different first. Develop a daily short list of your top priorities and make a concerted effort to complete them before moving on to new projects, or distractions that could derail your progress. Keep “less equals more” in mind — a 1% weekly improvement will generate twice the results within 18 months.
Finally … take action! The next level will be nothing more than an aberration unless you take action and (in Einstein’s words) match your energy to the frequency of the reality you want to create.
Enjoy the journey!
John
COPYRIGHT © 2016-23 John Carroll
Repost of The OffBeat Business Magazine article published on December 23, 2016.