Success: One Step at a Time
The key to success in business is often the little stuff. In my experience, it is most often the result of doing a lot of small – and strategically correct – things every day without fail. It is strikingly similar to the challenge of moving a boulder by hand. The same rules apply:
1) Use leverage. Don’t try to lift the heavy thing off the ground directly by grabbing it. Use a lever of some kind. For my business metaphor this means using the talents of my team and allowing them to express themselves. They are the ones doing the work – and they all desire to do well and to express their talents. As a manager my job is to set the “what” and “why” for them on their tasks and then get out of the way.
2) Move it a little at a time. A heavy object is not going to move far very fast without a fork lift. If you are moving it by hand you are goint to do it an inch at a time. In business this is the same: You don’t grow a business from zero to millions overnight. It is a series of steps. By focusing on the small steps accessible to you today – and doing them well – you are following the only available path to success. Do the small things you can do today and do them well. Repeat tomorrow – and the next day and the next. This as opposed to the illusion that you can force your way into a market or into ‘success’ by doing everything at once and working ‘extra hard’. It will be a series of steps whether you like it or now.
Focus on the step-by-step, pace yourself, and always look to see that the path is clear ahead. This is your best chance to getting there. This is an aspect of the “Work Smart, Not Hard” principle. Not to be forgotten.
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About the Author
First of all I would like to say great blog! I had a quick
question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.
I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the
first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or
tips? Thank you!
Most of the work of writing IMHO takes place before you actually write. 1) Having a clear space for writing (desk,computer,quiet room, etc). 2) Having considered internally what you want to convey in your writing in the hours,and days before you actually touch the keyboard.
With those things taken care of, I find the actual process of writing takes care of itself. Hope that helps. -Kevin