How Bad Do You Want It?

As January winds down, most of us have long forgotten those New Year’s resolutions we set three weeks ago.  Why is that?  Are we that fickle?  Is our commitment to ourselves and others so unreliable?  Do we just lack the discipline to change our habits enough to create the conditions we desire?  Well, maybe all of the above.  But just as important, I think we often set resolutions that sound nice to have, but maybe not nice enough to inspire our dedication.  Without that, we struggle to do the work, spend the money, change our behaviors, or otherwise act in a way that moves us toward our goals. 

Most business owners have a desire for a more successful business.  Individual definitions of success vary, but usually it’s some combination of more sales, higher profits, a terrific team of people, greater business value, or individual income, lifestyle and wealth that business ownership calls to mind.  But small business owners typically get so caught up in the day-to-day demands of the business, they lose track of the big picture goal for their businesses and for themselves.  It is easy to convince yourself that you don’t have the energy to work on your goals when you are up to your elbows in the detail work of your business.

It’s a question of how bad we really want it.  Our goals, that is.  Are they just “window dressing” goals that make us sound good to those around us?  Or are they really goals that we will strive to make happen, sacrifice to gain, and focus on regardless of all the other distractions in our business and our life?

As a business coach, I know that one level of commitment to goals is the investment in a coach.  That’s an indicator that the owner feels so strongly about his/her striving for success that they are willing to put their money and their time on the line to work toward their goals, and to demand a level of accountability toward reaching them.  But even after working with a coach for some time, the novelty of that relationship can wear off.  In spite of progress, the owner can become weary of the effort.  It is not unusual for the coach to have a stronger desire for the success of the business than the owner!  When that happens, it’s time to go back and re-check the goals, re-set the commitment, and re-state the question, “how bad do you want it?”

Ask yourself, what success means to you.  What does it look like?  How much income does it give you?  What will your lifestyle be like when you reach it?  What kind of wealth will it create for you?  Does that picture bring to mind a strong enough desire to do what it takes to reach it?  Are you willing to make steady, relentless progress?  Will you reach out for help and support from others with the experience and skills to accelerate your efforts?

If so, you will work yourself into an elite group of self-made, successful people.  How bad do you want it?