What's Really Keeping You From Success?

The “Finish Strong” Foundation exists to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois. Its philosophy ‘is founded upon the belief that the principles learned through athletic activities serve to bring the best out of individuals.  Principles such as commitment, goal setting, discipline and perseverance are critical components to being successful in not only sports but in life.  Athletics is an ideal platform for getting the attention of kids and through formalized training, to help them to develop self-confidence, overcome fears and shift their life focus to positive activities.’ (taken from the Foundation’s philosophy statement).

Take away the target audience – ‘the lives of at-risk youth in Illinois’ – and plug your own name or business name into the phrase.  Does it make any less sense now?  For many small businesses, we’re in year three of the Great Recession.  And, while some are starting to whisper that the awfulness or rate of lost jobs is ‘slowing down’, for those experiencing that awfulness or lost job, this is not much consolation.  And yet, one day, the recession will end, credit will be available, businesses will grow and people will spend. So the question is: what shape will you be in when it does?

If the awfulness of the current economy is guiding your choices and behaviors, you may be stripping your business of the basics it’ll need to come out the other side positioned for its future success.  Your slash and burn mentality may do more than simply save resources; it may kill off your business if not done prudently.

And, more importantly, if your brain is not considering the likelihood of future success, success may never arrive.  Attitude, belief and a clear focus are critical to creating the outcomes you seek.  Think your outcomes are dependent upon the circumstantial forces or people around you? Think again; your outcomes are dependent upon your actions, the actions you take in response to circumstance. And, while those external factors may certainly have impact, they may also be opportunities for you to shift your plan to ensure you attain your sought outcome.   However, without your steadfast determination to envision and then move toward your best possible outcome, it won’t happen.  Remember the Finish Strong concept: “commitment, goal setting, discipline and perseverance are critical components to being successful.” Belief in your ability to guide your fortune and reality is step one. Step 2?  Remember: “overcome fears and shift..focus to positive activities“.  Learn how to move forward despite the awfulness, the lost jobs.  Envision yourself winning, know that it’s possible, craft the plan and then get going.  Finish Strong!  Just like these folks did.