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Elli – another really great post. You are so right about moving forward – I definitely think the one thing that often stops us is that we constantly look for the big thing that will make a difference. So perhaps it is time to refocus and recognise that the small things done well and continuously can propel is forward just the same.

Niall,

Research is showing that too many choices makes decision-making too difficult. In this case, the choice is simple but life-altering. That is where it gets complicated. Degas is quoted as saying that “self-doubt kills ability.” This is why we take so much time prolonging whether or not to take our businesses to more sophisticated levels.

Very true, very true! It’s just amazing how much we build up all that stuff in an effort to not succeed! Once you break through, you often wonder why you made all that fuss about it as well. As they say, if it doesn’t kill you….

Lewis,

Love that last bit about “if it doesn’t kill you…” I suppose you might have been paraphrasing Nietzche but it also suggests the possibility of going forward and letting things progress until you reach your vision. And yes, we do make a lot of fuss which makes going forward rather anticlimatic. LOL

I have seen business owners not take those small decisive steps, that could move them forward in a positive direction, and instead they wait for the big break. And of course we all know what happens to those that “wait”. This is where even minimal coaching can be very effective in not only the first step implemented (the irreversible first one) but a slow (or not so slow) build on that first step. The choice is always there, however the incentive to make the choice often needs reinforcement. Vision without implementation is hallucination! Great discussion. @CASUDI

Very interesting post Elli. Every business no matter how big or small should have a clear vision. I work with companies to extrapolate that vision out into a mission statement and values statements. I find this helps with the subsequent strategic planning process as it lends great clarity to the direction and intent of the enterprise. Your point is well made, that first tenuous step is often the tipping point that you need.

CASUDI,

Ooh, “vision without implementation is hallucination.” The power of the mind is formidable! Your point about choice needing reinforcement makes so much sense. Perhaps this why it is so crucial to join a community whether it is in the form of a mastermind group, an industry group, or a networking group of like-minded professionals. Coupled with having a mentor or a coach, it is easier to take those forward steps.

Miriam,

Your work is so important! The inclusion of a values statement grounds people in why the work is important which can make the operational plan so much easier to execute. You’re right! Tenuous they may be but first steps can be the tipping point.

I like the “stop talking” point especially — the just start “doing” is the hardest part of starting any project.

@wchingya,

Your comment is so beautifully written! The “whole new level of faith and life lessons” is definitely was carries us. Each step is an affirmation of our abilities. I was looking at my garden today with the spring flowers just emerging. They don’t just bloom. It is a slow process to the bountiful but it is always up and out.

That is your most powerful piece yet, Elli. Very inspirational. Made me think of one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s more famous quotes: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Elli,

Great post. It is phenomenal the amount of barriers we through in own path to success. It is not as if it is not challenging enough out there without us making things worse. Love Irreversible step, it is amazing how suddenly these barriers disappear once we make that sometimes effortless 1st Irreversible step.

Great article indeed. Easier said than done really. Much more risky. But still is worthy of trying. Big things are achieved by taking the small steps.

Hi Aileen & Welcome back to Bloggertone. Great post, I have a new client that I believe would benefit so hope you don’t mind if I share it. I agree that the ability to make decisions smart quickly is a major advantage in business. 

Good post Aileen. Have you ever heard of http://coachquestleader.com/? I have heard good things about this company. 

I am so proud and absolutely amazed that this is my niece who shares my varied coloured healthy “slushies” in the morning or at the pool at the end of her busy day. Keep up the good work you are great!

The whole time reading your post, I kept thinking about my company’s decision makers. To myself I’d ask, how can I provide my leadership with those bite size pieces of information? Should this be in the dashboard? Email? Weekly meeting?

I appreciate the opportunity to consider another POV.

Great site.