Henry Ford (maker of my favorite American Muscle Car of all time, the Mustang) said: "It has been my observation that most people get ahead during the time that others waste time."
That's pretty much my observation, too. In my career, I've seen rooms full of executives who say all the right buzzwords and make plans for growth but have no idea how to get beyond their current stage to execution. Even the effort it takes to make those plans ends up being a waste of time -- and capital.
The only way to stop spinning your wheels is to force action. There are three simple steps to minimize the confusion and overwhelm that seem to paralyze the otherwise normally functional business owners out there.
1. Determine what you need more than anything else. Work with purpose and structure. Make the most of your strategy. What will drive your vision into tangibility right now? Break it down into phases, categories or even just into bullet items, like a grocery list. Don't waste time jumping from project to project. Even in busy times that seem to demand it, don't pursue multiple projects at once. Multi-tasking sucks up more time and dilutes quality. The most important question is: Do you know what you need to do today? If you don't, no one else will be able to help.
2. Don't be distracted by input. Other people naturally will be excited by your prospects, by all the potential of your great vision. And that support is so necessary to stay energized. You would never turn down a great idea for expansion. But it can also create pitch fatigue and waves of uncertainty and distraction that will keep you from executing your plan. For businesses past the incubation stage, well-meaning advisors and hangers-on can stall your success. Eyes on the short-term goal! Because we all know the long-term finish line changes with business trends and updated models.
3. Practice making decisions. If you're an entrepreneur, you've already made the hardest decision to go out on your own. So right or wrong, it's your road to drive. You're bound to realize in the rearview mirror we all have moments where we could have chosen different priorities and driven more revenue. But so what? If you huffle-puffle over every little choice, it means you're afraid to make a mistake. Failure won't be an option, you already made that commitment to yourself. As you solve more problems successfully, you will build your self-image as a powerful decision-maker. That's where the real time suck lives -- in your head, trying to decide the direction in which to take your next step.
Growing a business in the middle of the Great Recession isn't ideal, but you're still here. Make the most of the time you have by setting daily priorities and continuing to grow professionally. Look around you: There are people everywhere who don't have the muscle to do what you're doing every day. So flex a little, make a list and do what realistically will work for you. This is your time to get ahead. Floor it already. The passing lane looks open from here.
