Whilst being on holidays, what typically happens did…although I kept active, I did not keep up the level of physical activity that I would do normally when I am at home. So first morning home I got back on my bike and went for a cycle. Feeling that I was at less than my normal level of fitness, I decided to take to the roads on my own rather than hook up with the regular group ride. As I puffed, panted and struggled my way up the hills and enjoyed the down slopes (which were all much too short), I realized how much harder the ride was on my own. I really wanted to be with the group, being taken along in their windbreak and being able to chat about how great life is whilst out on the road; being motivated by the success that others were having in their training and events.
So I hear you say “What’s this all got to do with my business?”
Well, this scenario is so much the same as when we are in business. It is so easy to feel that you are not ‘as good’ as some of the ‘big’ guys in your industry. My training ride inspired me to write this article as lessons to be learnt while riding a bike!
Persistence: Don’t allow the fact that you may have had some ‘down’ time as an excuse for not reaching for the stars once again. If you find yourself having a break in routine or something personal comes along and creates a ‘lull’ in your progress then it is time to pick yourself up and refocus on the big goals that you have set yourself in business. There will be days when things don’t quite go your way or you will be disheartened. Don’t allow the ‘small stuff’ to stand in your way.
Get With a Group: Doing things on your own is the hardest and slowest way to make progress. The motivation and support that you get from being part of a mentoring group, a forum or mastermind of like minded individuals can catapult your progress. Even though you may find that you are not up to the level of expertise of others in your group, you will learn very quickly from them, and there will always be skills and expertise that you can take to the table.
Set Goals: Be specific on what you actually want to achieve. As a cyclist competing in half ironman events, I certainly had a very specific goal to aim for. In business it is no different. Determine what you specifically want as your business or personal target. If you want to make more money, how much? If you want to get in better shape, how do you want to look? Once you have determined exactly what your goals are, write them down and keep them close to you at all times.
Have a Plan: Being specific about your goals will mean that you can create a very accurate plan on exactly how you are going to achieve them. As a triathlete, my training plan was extremely specific down to what training needed to be done each morning and afternoon of every day. Once the plan was created, it became very easy to follow the program, and without a doubt, achieve a great finish in each race.
Reasons Why: Remind yourself of the reasons why it is so important you must achieve this goal. The motivation for what you want to achieve is critical. What will you be able to do that you cannot do now after you achieve this goal? Make sure your reasons are big and compelling. Perhaps it might be moving to a bigger home, being able to help your children to do something special, help your family who may be struggling themselves. Whatever your reason is, feel that motivation deep down in your bones.
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