The Science of Achievement - Turning ideas into Results
Posted on 9th December 2024 at 14:56
Running a small or medium-sized business can feel like a juggling act. 🤹♂️ You have big dreams for your company, but making those dreams happen isn’t always easy. One of the biggest challenges business owners face is turning a great plan into real actions that get results. It’s not enough to just think big or make a detailed plan—what matters is how you follow through. Without action, even the best ideas stay just ideas.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can turn your plans into results by using proven strategies and systems like Smart90. You’ll learn how to set goals, get your team involved, and make steady progress that leads to lasting success.
Why Some Businesses Struggle to Move Forward
Many businesses struggle because they’re either great at planning but poor at taking action, or they’re good at staying busy but lack a big-picture plan. This mismatch can lead to wasted time and missed opportunities. Have you ever felt like your team is working hard but not making real progress? 🤔 That’s often a sign of this problem.
Think about your business:
• Do you have a clear plan for reaching your goals?
• Does your team understand the plan and know what they need to do?
• Do you regularly check progress and make adjustments?
If you answered “no” to any of these, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can fix this by breaking big goals into smaller steps and creating a system to stay on track.
Helping Your Team Take Ownership 🛠️
As your business grows, you can’t do everything yourself. You need a team that takes responsibility and works together to achieve your goals. But how do you create a team like this? It’s not just about handing out tasks—it’s about creating an environment where people feel motivated and supported.
Dr. Tarik Jomaa’s “Four Cs” model is a great guide for building a strong team:
• Clarity: Make sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
• Consolidation: Get everyone on the same page with a shared vision and mission.
• Collaboration: Encourage teamwork, even when people don’t always agree.
• Consistency: Build habits and processes that help your team stay reliable.
It’s also helpful to understand different leadership styles. Tools like the DISC personality model can show you where your strengths and weaknesses are as a leader. For example, if you’re great at setting a vision but not as good at following up on details, a system like Smart90 can help fill that gap.
What Really Motivates People?
Motivation is key to getting things done, but it’s not as simple as cheering people on or shouting at them! Daniel Pink, in his book Drive, explains that people are most motivated when they have:
• Autonomy: Control over how they do their work.
• Mastery: Opportunities to get better at what they do.
• Purpose: A feeling that their work matters.
Creating an environment that supports these needs can make a huge difference. For example, let your team have a say in how they tackle their tasks, and show them how their work contributes to the company’s success.
But motivation alone isn’t enough. Research by Dr. Gail Matthews shows that people are 42% more likely to achieve their goals if they write them down and share them with someone else. Writing things down makes goals clearer, and sharing them creates accountability.
Another study, done in the UK, looked at how people could stick to an exercise routine. Participants were divided into three groups: one just tracked their exercise, another read motivational material, and the last group made specific plans about when and where they would exercise. Only the group with clear plans made real progress. This shows that having a specific plan is just as important as being motivated.
These studies teach us two things: first, writing down and planning your goals makes them more achievable; second, having someone to check in with keeps you on track. By using these ideas in your business, you can turn motivation into real results.
How Smart90 Helps You Take Action
Smart90 is a system that combines goal-setting, planning, and accountability to help businesses succeed. 🚀 It works by breaking big goals into 90-day plans. Here are its three main parts:
1. Quarterly Focus Sessions
These sessions are a time to step back and think about the big picture. In these sessions, you:
• Review how your business is doing.
• Revisit your long-term goals.
• Decide what your top priorities are for the next 90 days.
Benefits:
• Everyone knows what the plan is.
• Your team works together toward the same goals.
• Big ideas turn into clear actions.
2. Recording and Sharing Plans
Once you have your priorities, it’s time to make a plan. Here’s how Smart90 helps:
• Write down your goals in one place.
• Assign tasks to specific team members.
• Set deadlines and make action plans.
Benefits:
• Your team has a clear roadmap.
• Tasks are broken into manageable steps.
• Everyone knows who is responsible for what.
3. Regular Habit Check-Ins
To stay on track, Smart90 uses weekly “Smart7” meetings to build a key business habit. In these meetings, you:
• Share updates on progress.
• Solve problems as a team.
• Refocus on your goals if needed.
Benefits:
• Keeps the team motivated and organized.
• Helps catch problems early.
• Builds a habit of accountability.
Real Examples of Success
Many business owners have found success with systems like Smart90. Here are some examples form our ScaleUp Radio Podcast :
• Kam Dovedi (episode 397) from Premier Property breaks big goals into smaller tasks and holds his team accountable.
• Steve Borwell-Fox (episode 385) from Telecetera makes sure his team’s daily tasks match the company’s bigger plans.
• Antonio Wedral (episode 398) from NOVOS uses planning rhythms to align his team with broader goals.
• Fiona McKinnon (episode 380) from MomentCo values team safety and collaboration to improve execution.
These examples show that structured planning and teamwork can make a big difference.
What You Can Do Now 📋
1. Write Down Your Goals: Make your goals clear and specific.
2. Create a 90-Day Plan: Break your big goals into smaller steps.
3. Build a Strong Team: Use the Four Cs to create a team that works well together.
4. Check Progress Regularly: Use meetings to track progress and solve problems.
5. Stay Consistent: Keep working on your plans, even when things get tough.
By following these steps and using tools like Smart90, you can grow your business and turn your ideas into real achievements. Remember, success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart.
Share this post: