I’ve been struggling a lot lately with enjoying the process of things. I get so stressed out about all the things that we want to do, all the dreams and goals we have, and so often just all the stuff that needs to be done.
If it’s true that success is the progressive realization of a worthwhile goal, then it would be better if I learned to enjoy the process. Plus, I wouldn’t be so stressed all the time!
How to be successful:
1. Set goals – long range goals
If you don’t have a target that your aiming at, you’re never going to be able to hit it. You’ll simply be reactive going to and fro wherever life might take you. Also, the difference between those that are truly successful and those that aren’t is how long-range their goals are. The addict thinks hour to hour, the successful entrepreneur thinks at least 3 -5 years out.
2. Implement
Work backwards and plan out the steps that are going to get you there. For example, if you want to be earning a little extra income on the side in 3 months, what do you need to do this week to get you there?
3. Acknowledge the little things
Give yourself credit for the progress you’re making! It SO much easier to point out the negative aspects. “I still don’t have any strong leads for my side project.” “I haven’t added (fill in the blank) to my website yet.” It would be better to acknowledge the things that you have already been able to accomplish. Doing the little things everyday and every week will get you to where you want to go. Just remind yourself that you’re making progress.
Acknowledging the little things and remembering that you WILL reach your goal if you just keep at it helps with the stress and helps you enjoy the process.
I like how you differentiated the “addict” and the “entrepreneur.” It is really easy to get sucked into all the little things that need to be accomplished: dinner, clean up, rest, etc. and to forget about coming up with longer range goals. Ironically, I posted a similar post on my blog a few weeks ago and now need to implement the idea of getting my goals/ideas written down in one place.
Josh and I are going to paint one of our kitchen walls with Tabrasa Idea Paint ( https://www.mdcwall.com/tabrasa/order.aspx ) so we can get some of our ideas into a place we see everyday!
Alana, thanks for your thoughts. I checked out the link to the Idea Paint. Very cool! We covered this big piece of pegboard with paper and hung it on our kitchen wall. We got the idea from Josh Gordon and we’re loving it! Planning on putting fresh paper on it at the beginning of each month.
I too get SO bogged down with all the stuff that “needs” to be done. What’s the link to that post? I’d love to check it out.
Oooh, I like your idea of changing out the paper each month!
This is the post I wrote about setting goals: http://alanamokma.wordpress.com/2011/10/18/how-to-get-what-you-want-tip-1/
Alana, thanks for sharing. Great post! I too love our vision board. We have that in our bedroom and then our thinking wall in our kitchen. This is what we change the paper on each month.
What kind of paper do you use? Could you post a photo? I’m curious! We will be using the marker board paint, but may use the paper idea in another area of the house.
Alana, we used a white roll of paper from AC Moore. I’ll put a picture on our Facebook page.
cool. thanks!
Great thoughts, Michael! It’s so easy to beat ourselves up over what doesn’t get done vs. how far we’ve come. Great reminder!
Ryan, trust me. I’m quite good at it.
addicts think hour to hour? oh my, that is me.
Hey Katie! I get stuck in this mode sometimes too. And when you’re not used to it, it’s SO hard to think of your long range goals!