I don’t know about you, but looking back at the first lockdown, it’s fair to say that it had it’s ups and downs… and one of the downs was the additional 14lb I gained! So determined not to let this happen again, I’ve been thinking about setting some goals for the next 4 weeks.
It made me think back to a session we held with a whole bunch business owners back in June, where we discussed this:
What is it that keeps you fired up and maintaining positivity, momentum and action-taking?
Here it is – in this simple diagram which we call the “Momentum Pie”.
There’s 7 different opportunities here to ensure that as a business owner, you don’t just get through this Lockdown, but come out even stronger.
So let me walk you though this, and I hope that you might be able to find something in this that will inspire and motivate you.
1. Accountability
Accountability helps to keep you driving forward towards the goals you set for yourself; ensuring you eliminate anything that holds you back, and supports you to overcome any hurdles that stops your progression.
Who can hold you accountable, whether it’s a health kick, a commitment to making sales calls, your daily social media activity?
2. Clear Pathway Forward, and Key Milestones
If you are trying to get to a destination, and you don’t have a map, how likely are you to get there successfully, and on time? We all know the answer to that (did I tell you about that time I was travelling from Manchester to Southampton and ended up in the Cotswolds?!)
This is why planning it out is so important.
3. Mindset & Positivity
You can have the best plan in the world, but if you don’t have the mindset to make it happen; weighed down by negative thinking and worry, then it’s going to hold you back. What emotion are you feeling? Try and put your finger on it, and do a simple YouTube search and find someone credible to give you a 5-minute pick-me-up on whatever it is that’s worrying you, and find a little strategy to help.
Now this is not a motivational talk, but I simply love this, which was introduced to me by a great business coach called Tony…..
If you want a PICK-ME-UP RIGHT NOW…. watch this.
4. Personal Power
This is not for everyone, but there are some simple rituals that you can take part in that really help with accountability, positivity, and overcoming any negative thinking. Perhaps explore crystals… or journaling (e.g. gratitude) or perhaps practice mindfulness. There’s some great apps for that. I like using Headspace.
5. Power Hour
What is it that you must get done everyday without fail, that will help move you forward? If you are growing a business, then marketing definitely fits into this. Put a Power Hour aside everyday and focus on something constructive that will help you to win new clients. This could be, for example:
15 minutes on LinkedIn
15 minutes updating Google My Business
30 minutes writing a marketing email
Whatever the activity, make sure that it aligns to you plan and moves you in the right direction.
6. Realistic and SMART Goals/Tasks
Overwhelm happens when when what you have on your plate is too much to deal with. That’s why, when it comes to your tasks (that will support you meeting your goals) you have to make sure that you can realistically get them done. It’s easy to write a list of 20 things to do, and try to get through them but not practical.
It is said that 20% of our efforts are responsible for 80% of our results. So what is it you need to do more of, or less of?
This little visual might help you to decide.
7. Look at results and progress already made
Success breads success. So if you’re feeling a bit downbeat, then look at your successes, for example:
When you won a new customers
Testimonials
The marketing you did that worked well
Look at where you were at the start, and how far you have come
SO WHAT’S GOING TO BE PART OF YOUR MOMENTUM PIE?
Every step forward is a step in the right direction.
What already works for you?
What might you use from the 7 above?
Don’t just survive Lockdown. Come out stronger.
