Let’s talk about risk-taking.
Generally people have one of two responses. Ooh, YAY …or they are remarkably less enthusiastic. To be clear, there is no wrong way to feel about taking risks. It is engrained in our psyche to “play it safe” as they say, but when it comes to our business these rules do not apply. Imagine a business that is continuously cautious. What do you think it would look like in 10 years?
If you’re anything like me, nothing is more terrifying than stagnating while the world around you carries swiftly along. Trees shooting skyward while your feet stuck in the mud… The idea gives me chills…
Risk is necessary.
The next risk you take doesn’t need to be the equivalent of jumping out of a plane (something I still have yet to do because…nope), but measured, calculated risks have the potential to bring you a lot of joy. And just because a risk is calculated doesn’t mean it is insignificant.
So how does one calculate a risk? Risk calculators aren’t sold in the Back to School section next to the trapper keepers. To get started, I suggest starting by asking yourself one question: Why?
We all have those tasks that on our 3 to 5 year plan that stare at us day after day that never seem to get done. Why? We might say to ourselves, “I just don’t have the time to send that email right now.” or “I don’t even know exactly where to find that information.” But we both know that there isn’t an email that takes more than one or two minutes to write, and there is a conveniently handy computer that we carry with us everywhere that can help us find information on pretty much anything. So what is really hiding in the shadow of those judgmental, stubborn tasks staring back at you every day? Why do you let days and weeks pass with these tasks looming over your shoulder?
The answer may be different for a lot of people depending on the nature of the business, workflow, home life, schedules, etc. But we made a promise when we opened the proverbial doors of our businesses. That business license represents so much more than an intent to sell products or services…it represents your dreams. You want to provide something to the community that isn’t there yet, and support your family and lifestyle with the earnings. Chances are that you know that there is demand and you’re already off to a good start.
So, take the risk. Dare to thrive. Dare to take your business skyward, both financially and in notoriety.
How? You just need 10 to 20 minutes. That’s less than one episode of most TV shows on Netflix!
Take a moment (right now) to review how you start your workday. Whether you arrive at your desk squinting at your screen with tea in hand willing your cat not to take your chair, or you arrive at your store…whatever the case may be…take the first 10 to 20 minutes to tackle just one or two tasks that serve your strategic plan. Just one or two. No need to do more than that unless you allocate more time. You have an entire workday ahead of you after all.
But habits are powerful.
Daring to succeed first thing in the morning has two major benefits:
You are now starting your days by thinking critically and creatively about your long-term strategic plan and your short-term goals. Your business goals don’t deserve to be an afterthought, hidden beneath daily tasks and operations. If that sounds too familiar it is time to explore an organizational plan. (More on that later.) This strategic habit gives you the opportunity to consistently consider the health and sustainability of your business throughout the day, bringing into focus your entire reason for starting your endeavor.
Consistent task management will sharply improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your project management. A daily or even weekly (depending on the goals) review of your tasks as you prioritize and complete them in the first minutes of your day will allow you to adjust them to have the greatest impact. There is always room to think strategically about everything that you do for your business.
Do you have helpful habits or practice a variation of this one? I would love to know in the comments or email me directly using the form on this website!
