Starting with Simple, Impactful Habits
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Hey there, fellow business builders! Let's talk about a process that affects all of us, it's an underlying premise of being in business: that is the Business Lifecycle. Whether you're a solopreneur just starting out, a startup founder in the trenches, a seasoned business owner looking to grow, a corporate executive ready for a change, or a skilled technician dreaming of running your show, we're all somewhere on that Business Lifecycle Journey (BLCJ) wheel. Whether you're a solopreneur just starting out, a startup founder in the trenches, a seasoned business owner looking to grow, a corporate executive ready for a change, or a skilled technician dreaming of running your show, we're all somewhere on that Business Lifecycle Journey (BLCJ) wheel.
As someone who's been around the block a time or two (or ten!), I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to understand where you are on the BLCJ wheel and where you want to go. There are many decisions to make at every stage, from ideation and
launch to building traction, financing growth, and eventually planning your succession or exit. It can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling a million tasks to keep things running daily.
But here's the thing: you don't have to figure it all out alone. Just like there are proven roadmaps to guide you from point A to point B in the physical world, there are strategies and support systems to help you navigate your unique business journey. The key is to educate yourself, surround yourself with knowledgeable advisors and peers, and make decisions based on solid information - not just gut instinct.
3 Tips to Building Your Habit Muscle
So, where do you start when you're already stretched thin? I recommend incorporating a few simple habits into your daily routine to lay the foundation for long-term planning and success:
1.Spend 10 minutes each morning mapping out your goals. Spend 10 minutes each morning to outline your goals. Before the day's chaos kicks in, visualize what you want to achieve in the coming months. Break these goals down into actionable steps. This clarity first thing in the morning will transform how you tackle daily challenges.
Before putting out the inevitable fires of the day, take a beat to think of the big picture. What do you want to accomplish 3, 6, 12 months from now? Work backward and break those goals down into bite-sized action steps. Perhaps you can outline your goals for next month in your 10-minute morning mapping, which equals 1 hour per week or 4 hours per month on concentrated planning! you get it. You'll be amazed at how much more straightforward things become.
2.Develop a tracking system to hold yourself accountable. This doesn't have to be fancy - a checkmark on your calendar will do. However, the act of monitoring your progress daily creates a sense of momentum and keeps you honest. This habit fosters momentum and holds you accountable for your aspirations. Start by tracking your 10-minute morning mapping habit.
3.Take a 20-minute learning break every day. Carve out 20 minutes daily to feed your mind with targeted content from a podcast, a blog post, or a chapter of a business book, each easy to listen to. Sit at your desk, in the car, or anywhere you spend some quiet time daily—you get it! Keeping your skills and knowledge sharp is an investment that pays enormous dividends, even when you feel like you can't spare a second.
These are relatively easy habits to form that may seem simple, but establishing them is the first critical step in preparing yourself for the long game of business planning and evolution. They create space for strategic thinking, align your daily activities with your bigger goals, and prime you for success at every phase of your journey.
The Power of Habit Formation
Why Develop Small Habits?
• Consistency: Habits provide consistent actions that lead to long-term success.• Incremental Gains: Small habits accumulate over time, resulting in significant improvements.• Financial Impact: Trends show that organizations with effective habits achieve their goals more successfully.
Statistics and Trends:
• Business Planning: Companies that create a business plan are 152% more likely to launch successfully. Planning leads to 30% faster growth compared to those without a plan.• Weekly Review: Set aside time for a weekly review to assess results and stay up to date on your business.
As we move through this blog series, we will explore each stage of the BLCJ wheel, from start to exit. I'll share more insights and tips to help you assess where you are, unpack strategies to optimize your growth from startup to exit, decide where you want to go and take purposeful action to get there. Because as different as our individual paths may look, we're all on this journey together.
So, I invite you to join me on this journey. Follow along, share your experiences, and let's learn from each other. Together, we'll uncover the roadmaps that empower you to steer your business exactly where you want it to go. Buckle up; it's going to be an exciting ride!
Remember to like this post, share it with a fellow traveler, and subscribe so you never miss an installment in the Business Lifecycle Journey series. Do you have a burning question or topic you'd like me to cover? Please leave it in the comments, and let's chat. Here's to your success, wherever you are on the journey!
