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.

Next Post
Previous Post
Kevin Ready

Sign Up For My Free Newsletter

Enter your email address below to receive news and updates.

2 Comments

    • Kevin Ready

The Next Step - Innovation Newsletter

I want every advantage I can get, so sign me up!