Throughout my coaching career, there are certain concepts that have come up repeatedly. Three words encapsulate some of the most important of these ideas, and I’ve learned that it is hard to achieve sustained success without them. Whether you are rich or poor, well-educated or not, brilliant or of average intelligence, it is simply impossible to be the best version of yourself without embracing these three words and all they embody. For each day that you fail to be focused, intentional, and consistent, you shortchange yourself and all of those who depend upon you. Use these three power words as weapons, to catapult your life forward.
1)FOCUS
What are you devoting your time and energy to? We must be conscious of what we are doing with our 86,400 seconds in a day if we are to be relentless. Everything we do must have a purpose to it that ties into our ultimate goal because whatever we focus on is what we will become. A leader is effective when they know the right things to do and devote their energies towards them. This is the surest way to eliminate distractions. When we focus on issues of genuine impact and eliminate peripheral noise, this will ensure that everyone will take another step.
2) INTENTION
Are you intentional each day? Do you have a plan before you start each day? An intentional person has a narrow and defined focus, not to the point rigidity, however. People with structured, purposeful, and intentional behavior will change the environment around them, sometimes immediately, at others over time. This person is resolute and clear-minded. They don’t let distractions knock them off course, and, at the same time, they can make necessary adjustments as new information presents itself. When we are this intentional person, everyone around us will feel our strength and discipline and in so doing, will be determined to take another step.
3) CONSISTENCY
Are you consistent in your behavior? Consistency creates stability. Consistency creates habits, and your habits will determine your future. As Flannery O’Connor wrote, “Routines are the conditions of sanity.” Great leaders strive to create productive routines and courageously do what they say they are going to do. Then the leader must produce systems that replicate, processes that initiate, and attention to people that liberates. All of these are examples of consistency brought to bear in an organization. With consistency, you and your team will find yourselves on solid ground. Consistency will build trust in leadership, allowing everyone to take another step.
Winning Edge calls this our daily grind! When we employ these 3 tools on a daily basis, we and everyone around us will have the energy to take another step.
How can these 3 power words help you?
Love to hear your success stories on how being focused, being intentional, and consistent has changed the trajectory of your life, family, or organization.
