Maximizing Your Forward Progress!

In my last blog, I described the process introduced by Dan Sullivan, President & Founder of the Strategic Coach organization, in taking you to the “New Normal” for your businesses. Dan explained that as you move to your “New Normal,” you will be defining a better future for yourself.

I went on to say that once you define what, exactly, that new future includes, it is essential that you outline the steps to take you there. You may recall that I suggested you make the future outcome you desired specific, measurable and attainable, while providing you with a foundation upon which to build your bigger future.

With these points in mind, I hope that you set future objectives that are challenging and exciting. However, please don’t get frustrated if your progress is slightly slower than you want it to be. The key is to keep moving forward.

In uncertain times, we don’t always have 100% control over the outcome. However, that is no reason to not continue to push forward. I recall coming home from a Duke basketball game that my daughter Melanie and I had attended in North Carolina. While we thoroughly enjoyed that game, we were both anxious to get home. However, while we both had plans for the next day, the weather had different plans for us…

In spite of an ice storm, we were able to get as far as Washington, D.C., but after a five-hour delay, our pilots became “timed out” and couldn’t fly again until the next day. As it turned out, we were blessed with an overnight stay at a very nice hotel in the area, compliments of United Airlines. Additionally, we were treated to a nice breakfast the next morning. As I recall, I think we even received a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee out of the deal! We returned to Kansas City by noon the next day and barely missed anything.

Using this example, let’s say that one of your “New Normal” objectives is to return to profitability and achieve this on a consistent basis. This is an admirable goal, but I think it is safe to say that you may not have complete control over this outcome. The current state of our economy & the milk markets could slow your progress.

However, it is still important that you outline the steps you can take to move closer to this goal. Can you use DRP, contract more of your feeds or negotiate some of your costs? Speaking of costs, are there some items that you need to improve? Instead of maintaining a fleet of equipment and doing all your own farming, should you consider hiring a custom operator? Could you be that custom operator for other producers?

While your progress can be slowed down by factors beyond your control, the key is to consistently take action. Former Navy Seal Pat Dosett and Stanford University Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman state that “It isn’t about how much you do, but that you do something specific you are certain you can complete.” Forward progress here is key. They go on to say, “By taking action, you train your brain to repeatedly release dopamine, enhancing your energy levels and creating an outsized effect on your thinking, mood, and sense of what you can control.”

This perceived control will move you closer to your objectives! I wish you the best of success in that endeavor, and if I can assist you in any way, please let me know at john@success-strategies.com or 209-988-8960.

 “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”

                                                                                    Alan Lakein