There are so many ways to achieve goals. I’m fascinated by what goes into the choice for the path to take. Lately I’ve been diving deep into strategies that are used. It’s not just a matter of planning and executing, it is an exploration of human ingenuity.
Some meticulously plan each step, analyzing and strategizing, while others choose to embrace uncertainty and take a leap of faith, open to wherever it may lead them. There are also those who prefer to assess the situation carefully before deciding on their next course of action while in the midst of pursuing their goals.
This diversity of approaches is truly intriguing, isn’t it?
I firmly believe that there is a level of self-awareness and the ability to act decisively propels progress and fosters confidence.
It’s not about the size of the actions, but the impact they can have on our journey towards our goals. It’s genuinely awe-inspiring how our approach shapes our path.
Reflecting on the insights of professionals like Iris Goldfeder, the CEO of GasStoveCreative, who advocates for a balance between strategic planning and embracing unexpected turns, I couldn’t help but relate it to my own approach to taking action. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation?
I’ve come to realize that three critical elements of a growth strategy can significantly impact the results when combined with the way you take action:
1. Establishing a well-defined goal structure.
2. Identifying essential actions that drive you towards your objectives.
3. Setting ambitious yet achievable growth targets.
This is visionary and strategic work that requires careful planning. It focuses on long-term gains, looking ahead 3-5 years or even further.
Nina Froriep, a Content Creator and Visual Storyteller at Clock Wise Productions, offers a different perspective. She acknowledges the need for long-term strategic planning and sticking with it, as she tends to get caught up in numerous ideas and needs to catch up on the bigger picture.
Indeed, when change happens rapidly, and numerous ideas flood your mind, it can be challenging to think years into the future. However, this long-term vision is crucial for building a lasting business. It’s about staying focused on the bigger picture, even when the details seem overwhelming. This is the kind of determination that can lead to lasting success.
At times, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Bernadett Papp, a Retirement Income Strategist, shared her struggle with breaking down goals into manageable tasks, which often led to anxiety. However, she found a remarkable online tool that transformed her goal and task management.
In one of my recent Present Retreats™, I explored the concept of discipline alongside self-awareness and its impact on personal and professional growth. Reflecting on this concept about my work at Red Direction, I evaluated how it aligns with our current priorities and goals:
Step One: I considered my initial thoughts and feelings about discipline.
Step Two: I assessed how these perceptions influence my progress towards significant goals, both personally and for the company.
Step Three: I reviewed our priority list, upcoming opportunities, and the challenges we face to make necessary adjustments.
The outcome was surprisingly positive. By eliminating 10% of our to-do list, we were able to focus on our strengths and make significant progress. This demonstrates the power of disciplined focus.
Christy Maxfield, President and CEO of Purpose First Advisors, appreciated my previous definition of discipline as a consistent imperfect action that engages the head, heart, and gut.
For Dawn Ellery, CEO and founder of Dawn Ellery Consulting, the first thing that comes to mind when she hears the word “discipline” is working out. Dawn was a high school and college athlete, and she had to work to reframe discipline as it relates to her knowledge. That reframing proved to be a great step, and it changed the meaning of that word for her.
Discipline within the business environment is closely associated with maintaining a well-organized structure, exercising authoritative control, following a structured routine, showcasing expertise, and upholding professional conduct.
Michael F D Anaya, Founder of DecodingCyber, emphasized that discipline is an essential tool for achieving success in any endeavor as it helps to build good habits. However, it requires hard work and sacrifice. Michael admits that sometimes he just wants to pound that easy button, but eventually, he goes with what is right and not what is easy.
The journey towards growth and attainable success is ongoing and can commence anytime. There’s no right or wrong time; the timing is always right. What is constant is that discipline and self-awareness build our confidence to keep us going and learning.
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Share your thoughts and ideas – I’m excited to hear from you!
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Jess Dewell is a professional who has been navigating the intersection of operations and strategy for more than twenty years. She helps organizations move forward by identifying the sweet spot where strategy catalyzes operations, fosters innovation, and drives businesses to the forefront of their industries.
Jess is committed to helping businesses turn challenges into scalable opportunities and constraints into springboards for growth. Contact her for a complimentary call, or find her on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check out her Driving Solutions Strategic Intensive program if you need help with strategic growth challenges.
