ACTION vs. PROGRESS

Action items often are the main blocks on a business owner’s calendar. I want you to stop using the term action and adopt a new one, progress.

Action means that you are creating busy work. Most action lists are created to take care of the easiest and least important things that happen in the life of a business owner.

The words “action items” keep coming up in conversations when I work with clients and I want to address the “busyness” issue that plagues so many business owners. To differentiate, action means that you are busy doing things for your business that you feel have to be done. Making progress means that you have a laser-like focus on what needs to be done to move you closer to your specific vision.

If the task you are doing does not take you closer to your vision, don’t do it! Most small businesses fail due to a lack of new business which brings in revenue. Consequently, the most important progress work should be something that will help that revenue become a reality.

This afternoon I received a call from a person selling a sure fire marketing system that would work for any business. His pitch was “85% of businesses will fail this year due to a lack of revenue. My system will help you overcome that with very little effort.” I share this with you because progress means taking one sure step towards your vision in everything you do. It will be hard work and progress can be measured against a realistic time frame.

Push to make progress to generate the necessary revenue to achieve profitability and sustainability. With your company vision in your mind, spend time at the end of each day reflecting on what you did to get closer to reaching that vision. Better yet, do it on the hour throughout your day and adjust your plan to make progress towards your vision.

Regularly reevaluate your vision implementation plan.

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Tips & Advice by Nick Petra – CFP, Mentor, and Founder of StrategicDuck and BizQuack