For those of us who are not just satisfied to run a business but also want to make a difference in the world, sometimes it’s difficult to achieve all of the big plans, goals and dreams we have for ourselves.
Many times we get stuck or sidetracked when it comes to achieving our goals both personally and professionally.
Does this sound familiar?
- You tend to procrastinate and lolligag when it comes to completing major tasks?
- You are tired of giving yourself new deadlines only to let them pass without accomplishing your goal or starting that new project?
- Maybe you can’t see or don’t know the first step so you do nothing?
- Or how about this? There’s too much at risk, and you’re afraid of what it might cost to begin chasing your dreams or making big moves?
I’m here to tell you that none of the above are reasons why you should remain stuck. You are called to do what you are doing. There is a reason why you have the desire inside of you to do the work you are doing. Each of us have innate gifts and talents to do the work we do. The desire that you have to achieve your goals, whether personal or business stem from the longing and excitement of what you believe life will be like after your goals have are achieved.
Stop. Think. Picture it.
What would your business really be like if you actually got unstuck and got to the business of achieving every goal you had?
That would feel amazing wouldn’t it?
So whether you want to launch a new product, service or program or expand into other markets or just redesign your website, whatever it is…stop procrastinating and get to it. Here are my 5 steps to get unstuck and achieve your goals with intention and purpose.
My STEP BY STEP plan is simple.
Step 1. Talk it Out & Write it Down.
Sometimes it helps to verbalize what you want to do and how you want to do it. Find a trusted friend, accountability partner or trusted family member and tell them what your goal is. You never know, that person may help you flush out the details better or brainstorm the possibilities. Once you have worked through your goal by talking it out, write it down. A goal on paper requires you to view it in black and white. There’s something valuable about reading your goals and defining them in writing.
Step 2. Consider scalability.
Thinking big is great. However, do not overwhelm yourself with a large project when you are not ready for the responsibility. Sometimes it helps to start small and grow. Ask yourself questions like: Does my product have the ability to grow in size, benefits or value? Will I have the opportunity to improve this product with minimal effort and investment?
It is best to consider the long term effects that a particular product or service will have on your business before you create something that has limited scalability.
Step 3. Study a similar project.
Of course, it is so much easier to research who is already doing what you want to do and how they are doing it. You may find that your competitors already have a project just like the one you want to create. It may be a good idea to figure out how well a similar project is working or is not working before you launch. You may decide that you want to partner with someone who has a similar project or perhaps that you want to become an affiliate for them rather than create something of your own. However, you may learn how your project can be different or offer something that the similar project doesn’t have.
Step 4. Identify goals.
In order to stay on task and acheive your goals with purpose you have to know what you want. Next you must give yourself a timeline for when you want to achieve a particular goal. Define the Main things you want to accomplish in chronological order. Stick with the schedule you give yourself. Don’t get distracted. Once you have completed an item on your chronological list, cross it off and move on to the next item.
Step 5. Take action even if it’s baby steps.
The most important thing to remember here is that you can’t eat a steak in one bite. You’re going to have to eat that steak one bite at a time. It is easy to create a sense of stuckness, just because we bite off more than we can chew. Avoid the superwoman or superman complex. Give yourself enough time to accomplish your goals. Most importantly, don’t give up too soon. Commit to one thing at a time.
If you are not growing your business because you don’t know where to start, just take the first step as soon as possible. You can take baby steps until you have completed the task at hand. But you will never get anywhere without getting started.
Your homework assignment. Think about what project large or small that you would love to tackle this year. What is the first thing you need to do? Second thing, etc.?
© 2013 Quality Media Consultant Group, LLC – All Rights Reserved
This article is written by Lori A. Manns. Want to use this article for your website, blog or newsletter? No problem. Here’s what you must include: Lori A. Manns, CEO of Quality Media Consultant Group your marketing and sales success mentor, and founder of Marketing For Trailblazers™ & ABC’s of Successful Sponsorship Sales System;™ that shows you how to get more sponsors and sales for your business, guaranteed. To purchase consulting services on marketing, advertising or sales and, learn how to increase your revenue and grow your business; please visit www.qualitymediaconsultants.com.