I like to think big, just as much as the next person. When you are naturally conceptual, then it’s easy to think about how things could be. The truth is I time travel a lot and find myself living in the future, too.
When I ask people about their goals, they usually articulate what their dreams are. Dreams are great, but living in that space and walking around in the present can be deceptive. It’s easy to be in dreamland. It’s a place where the details are secondary.
No, you just can’t skip step one, two or three. It’s not realistic. If you want to run a half marathon, you have to start with initial steps. Get your shoes ready. Buy a watch. Get out the door. Try to run one mile first.
If you want to increase revenue, then you have to get clear on how much. Then you have to work on building relationships that matter. Then you need to think about what makes your future customers want to work with you.
If you skip steps, then you may end up talking continually about what you want to do. But the target doesn’t get any closer. It just remains out there.
The steps and the execution have to be clear, and then you have to take action.
I know it sounds obvious to some to think that we are talking about first things first. But my bet is that when you don’t have what you want it is because you are talking about second things first.
Things like helping a lot of people, becoming popular or taking exotic vacations make for great talk. But these dreams start with ensuring you do basic things. Getting organized, discovering what you can sell, taking a small trip, etc.
Have you heard yourself talk about goals (dreams) repeatedly with others? Why aren’t you there? What first step do you have to still take?
