Have you ever wondered why a fraction of your efforts often yields the majority of your success in business?
Or curious about what changes to make in your business to withstand the economic shifts coming our way in 2024?
Throughout the path of entrepreneurial triumphs and challenges, one guiding principle has been an unwavering constant for me—intentionality. This multifaceted journey isn't merely about the destination; it's about the purposeful steps we take along the way.
The Value of Direction
When I reflect on success, I keep coming back to the idea of being intentional. It's about having a clear vision of where we're heading, and I'm not talking about a detailed 10-year plan. In all components of your business, defining the end goal(s) shapes your roadmap and provides direction to all that you do, including the day-to-day- tasks. Directional clarity is the key.
The 80/20 Principle
Essentially, our journey in business is a blend of cycles, of shifts from pioneering new ideas to refining and optimizing existing systems. This understanding is crucial—success isn't just about doing what you love in your zone of genius; it's about nurturing the foundations that allow that genius to flourish.
Understanding Business Seasons
I've witnessed the pitfalls of solely fixating on the distant horizon without considering the journey's landscape. The misconception lies in assuming that success is immediate or can be achieved solely by leaping from point A to point Z. It's about understanding the seasons of business, and acknowledging that not every stage requires the same strategy.
Optimization: The 20% Focus
A tool I find immensely powerful is what I call "CHuCK." It's a structured approach that helps distill priorities by categorizing tasks into cut, hold, change, and keep. This strategy allows a systematic examination of what drives results, enabling businesses to channel efforts efficiently toward their core objectives and not get distracted by the rest.
As entrepreneurs, we're often bombarded with the allure of quick fixes or hyped-up strategies. However, the magic truly unfolds in deliberate, thoughtful goals and dictates the flow of business activities. This year, focus on your 20.
by Crista Grasso
Crista Grasso is the go-to strategic planning expert for leading global businesses and online entrepreneurs when they want to scale. Known as the "Business Optimizer", Crista has the ability to quickly cut through noise and focus on optimizing the core things that will make the biggest impact to scale a business simply and sustainably. She specializes in helping businesses gain clarity on the most important things that will drive maximum value for their clients and maximum profits for their business. She is the creator of the Lean Out Method, 90 Day Lean Out Planner, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast.
