How to better define projects & goals

We often find ourselves creating projects rather than specific outcomes within our control…

When navigating the challenging landscape of business, it’s easy to get lost amidst numerous projects and goals. Being an experienced systems and operations expert, I have witnessed the power of focusing on the things within our control as the ultimate secret to growth and productivity.

Defining clear outcomes is a crucial element in any strategic undertaking. But I bet that if you look at your company’s project list, the names of these projects don’t paint a clear picture of the desired outcome… This is common problem number 1.

Common problem number 2 is that these goals often focus on factors outside of our control, making it easier to feel overwhelmed by the countless variables at play.

A rarely acknowledged truth…

You don't need to control everything. In fact, you can't. You need to focus on the things that matter most within your control (a small number of things).

Most variables in business are indeed beyond our control - market trends, competition, global events, and customer behaviors. Acknowledging this simple fact is the first step towards the outcome-oriented mindset your and your team need to expedite progress.

There's a profound difference between controlling an outcome and controlling the variables that lead to that outcome. You cannot dictate the exact result you desire, no matter how meticulously you plan. However, by focusing your efforts on what you can influence, you can get strikingly close to your ideal outcome. That's the power of taking control over what you can.

Leadership is not about having all the answers or controlling every aspect of the journey. But rather identifying the critical few elements that you and your team should focus on and turning it into meaningful actions.

Instead of setting a goal to "increase sales by 20% next quarter" (a goal heavily influenced by variables beyond your control), a much better one would be to "Implement a new CRM system by the end of the month". The latter is within your control and it's a step towards better customer management which will ultimately lead to increasing sales.

Real productivity comes when you take those grand visions, break them down into outcome-oriented projects (in your control), and then work on those projects one next action at a time.

Taking this route allows you to redefine the relationship with your business. You get to step out of the operational hamster wheel and step into a position of strategic growth and systems leadership — You’re choosing to take control, focusing your energy on what you can influence, and driving your business toward better and quicker outcomes.

Go ahead and try it:

1. Identify your goal: Define what success looks like
2. Name your goal: Make sure that the name of your goal or project is outcome-oriented
3. Break it down: Split your goal into smaller outcome-oriented projects within your control
4. Clarify the Next Action: Identify the single Next Action needed to push the project forward
5. Embrace accountability: Hold yourself and your team accountable by assigning ownership of these projects and regularly clarifying the Next Action

See you all next Thursday 👋

PS. Whenever you're ready... Here are three ways I can help you systemize & automate operations:

1. Learn how to find, hire and manage virtual assistants → Free Access
2. Systemize company processes & automate accountability → Learn More
3. Let me help you automate operations and exit the day-to-day grind → Work With Me

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