Run Through the Tape to Achieve Your Goals

We are fast approaching the time of the year where things really start to get exciting for most businesses. Whether you are making a mad dash to close out the 2010 calendar year strong, or starting your planning cycle for 2011, one thing all business owners should have in common - you better be running!

To stay ahead of the pack, you must have a solid game plan and execute to perfection. Much like the runner, your objective should always be to run through the tape (not to the tape) to achieve your goals and thus improve your odds of winning.

Whether you are gearing up for a strong end of year push or setting the table for 2011, here are five things to consider.

1. Finish what you started in 2010, so you can get off to a fast start in the New Year ahead.
2. Prioritize new projects and initiatives to improve ROI and maximize business results.
3. Decommission things that aren't working to conserve resources and eliminate the clutter.
4. Remember it's okay to hit the restart button to help get major projects back on track.
5. Stay focused and positive about your plans, goals and the outlook for your business.

Don't attempt to add a bunch of new projects for 2010 that will dilute your resources and focus. This is the time of the year to execute and delivery results, not add more to the list of “To Dos”! Similarly for 2011, try to limit your initial plans to 5-6 major initiatives and then expand as you go along, so you don't get winded early in the race.

Dedicate the time required to fully develop your future plans and “stretch” goals, so your line of sight is beyond the finish line and your initial targets.  And finally, make sure to work on your Top 3 list of priorities every day before moving on to other things. This holds true for anytime during the plan year.

Running through the tape to achieve your goals is about staying ahead of the competition and adjusting your vision beyond the immediate horizon to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Best of luck to your future success - keep running!


COPYRIGHT © 2010 John Carroll