It’s that time of the year again – time to review whether you exceeded your outcomes for the year. Mentally, it can be challenging to realize eleven months have passed and all the time and energy you put into the year is about to end. Let me ask you a question: are you happy with your performance? Was there more you could have contributed to making a difference in your outcomes? One more question: Do you like to be in control? I will assume that most of you, if not all, said yes to that last question! To be in control, you must start with setting your intentions. The definition of the word intention is “to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim.” We focus on our intentions to get the results we desire.
We sometimes set intentions without even realizing it. We may make plans to go on vacation, lose weight, stop smoking, change careers, exercise, get married, put our kids through private schools, etc. Amazing things happen when we set the intention and then act on it to demonstrate our commitment. It’s the same when looking at how you run your business.
It’s easy to realize what you want, but it’s why you want it that gets you past the finish line. The why is your emotional reason finding a way to getting there.
Here are four steps to help you achieve your intentions.
1) Know what you want. Get a clear vision of what you want and write it down. When you write it down, you are making a more in-depth commitment. You then have a visual of what you want.
2) Hold yourself accountable. Tell someone what your intentions are to hold yourself more accountable. On my sales team, we share what we want so others can be there to support us. Sharing this with your team also provides you with an extra boost of accountability. At times we may let ourselves down, but we rarely let others down.
3) Be committed. Do something every day to demonstrate your commitment to your intention. Find a way to move closer to your outcomes. It may start with a phone call, an email, or an in-person visit.
4) Get moving. This step is critical. You can dream about it and talk about, but without taking action you will likely fall short.
By setting your intention, you make it clear to yourself and others what you want and what you need to do to achieve it. If you want control, then take control!