Since I have been talking about objectives recently and also since we are getting ready to do a call on the subject as well, then we definitely need to talk about the power of committing what you are doing to writing. A big problem for business owners when it comes to staying focused is their desire to just wing it rather than writing important things down.
Let me start by saying that I can sympathize with business owners who don’t write things down. I get that people don’t want to feel like they are put in a box and that written goals can feel like you are sacrificing your ability to live freely and creatively. But let’s put that bullshit to rest, shall we? I guess sympathy time is over.
Let’s start by thinking about some areas in your personal life that we are apt to wing. Ask yourself the following questions:
When was the last time you went on a real vacation? Not visiting family or a couple day jaunt. A vacation.
Do you ever tell yourself that you should spend more time with your kids? When was the last time you played a game with them? Took them sledding?
When was the last time you went out with your spouse? Hung out with some friends? Went and had a beer to catch up?
How are you doing with these questions so far? Probably some of them you are doing great and others maybe not. Maybe you aren’t doing a great job with any.
Now let’s take a look at areas of your business where you may be winging it:
Are you spending time working on your business? Not in it but on it.
Do you have a clearly defined direction for your business that your entire team knows and understands?
Do you have criteria in place that allows you to say no to requests and opportunities that may not be a fit?
Now how are you doing with these questions? Perhaps some good. Some not-so-good.
When you aren’t being intentional about things, then things can slip by the wayside. Lack of intention does not allow for creativity and freedom, it produces neglect and bondage.
If your life looks anything like mine then you probably have kids, you have a business or you are in a place of authority in your current job, you have church or other civic responsibilities, you are married and you have hobbies outside of work.
With all the things on your plate, can you really afford to wing it? It’s too hard to wing it. Our lives are too complex for that.
Setting objectives is a great tool for planning your year but being intentional helps you in other areas as well. For instance, a great point that resonated with me because I am terrible about this is in celebrating wins. Rich Christiansen shared this key to success in his new book the Zig Zag Principle. When you accomplish objectives do you have time set aside to celebrate the win? This is key to keeping you, your family and your team refreshed and positive about what you want to accomplish. It’s a great teamwork activity as well.
What’s your plan for the year? Are you winging it or writing it? It’s challenging to balance family, work and other activities. Creating intention allows for creating the time and space to do the things that are easy to ignore when we feel busy and stretched.
What would your business and your family life look like if you are more intentional next year?