One of the most successful habits that any entrepreneur can have is the detailed process of goal setting. It's fun to dream big, but unless those dreams are mapped as an executable plan, they aren't likely to command consistent attention and effort. As we move about our busy lives, we often forget to acknowledge the possibilities of today, or more importantly, we miss a chance to connect them to our short and long term goals. There's is a lot of 'Negative Noise' in the world, and we spend a lot of time listening to it. We waste time thinking about the past, or miss something of current importance to our business because we're distracted. We enjoy our businesses more when we stay in the moment and make each step one of deliberate intention.
It's very easy to be distracted when your comfy home is also your busy office, and sometimes we need a little encouragement, a reminder or perhaps some silence get our thoughts and actions back on track. Moving toward any goal is an important decision; a process of choices that call upon our strengths and a positive attitude. In building a business, it becomes essential to identify any weaknesses and where you may need help to expedite tasks and keep moving forward. It becomes necessary to create a flexible action plan that calls the shots and implements the play to take your business to the level of success you want it to be. When a goal seems far reaching and unrealistic, a solid action plan that stands on research can be broken down to help you manage each phase of the project, and prevent getting lost in the shuffle. I have had clients who underestimated the need for ongoing planning in their business, and found they just couldn't do it all - they lost the strength to swim and great ideas were drowning in a sea of tasks. The business was running THEM.
A smart action plan got them to stay on track. Now they know when they're going to need help before the storm, and they operate with confidence that they can navigate expectantly for realistic results. We'd all like to achieve some intended result yesterday, but the true, sweet taste of success we crave - professionally, personally and/or spiritually - is honored and illustrated through the honest commitment we have to a lifestyle that is focused and conducive to that intended goal(s).
Every business, regardless of size or age, wants to be able to compete in the market, and they open their doors with the intention to win. Many musicians operate as a home based, and they are no different. They have to rehearse over and again, just as writers have to write, and write, and keep on writing. Why? Because repetition breeds mastery, and this is the essence of the journey. Perfection is a wasted effort and clearly unattainable, but consistent practice paves the way to greatness through step-by-step improvements. While an agenda is designed to keep you on track, it is flexible and accommodating.
Each day holds opportunity for the prepared professional. Our businesses are a series of choices that teach as we learn. There are possibilities in each milestone that make up this journey - with its pitfalls, celebrations and speed bumps. Running a business is a journey that endures loss and works for gain; where new ideas and efforts are often like secret tunnels and detours here to test us, push us toward change, or stall us altogether. Despite the distractions, we don't have to allow Negative Noise to take ownership and discourage us. We can keep the focus on what's working, and know solutions are coming. Home based business owners are great at multitasking, and must provide great service to keep and earn more satisfied customers. It would be impossible for me to count the number of times that I've found solutions to a dilemma while helping someone else. Making time to volunteer keeps me grateful for what IS working. I can feel accomplished in that today's agenda is met, and the next day's agenda is set.
Are you prepared for the possibilities? As we approach the end of the year, it's a good time to reassess our processes, get rid of clutter and get organized! Do you have an Action Plan? You can begin by envisioning the main goal(s), clearing your path of clutter and creating tomorrow's agenda. Practice creating weekly goals that take care of home, take care of business, and takes care of YOU. Let's do it! The possibilities are endless. You can make 2012 your most successful year yet!
Copyright © 2011 Arkay Evans
