Stello Strategies

Staying the Course: The Power of Consistency for Real Success ?? Everyone loves the idea of “overnight success”—but the truth is, it’s a myth. Behind every “overnight success” is years of dedication, consistency, and repetition. Successful people will tell you: it’s not flashy, and it’s often not even fun. Real success comes from doing the same things every day, even when motivation fades ????. ?? Repetition is Key to Success Success is built through the small, often mundane actions done over and over. Whether it’s making calls ??, prospecting, or refining your skills, it’s these consistent steps that create growth. There’s no shortcut, no magic formula—just doing what works, day in and day out. ?? Identify the Right Actions It’s essential to know the right things to focus on. If you’re clear on what drives results, you’re already ahead. Make a plan with actions that directly impact your goals. These could be regular check-ins with clients, reaching out to new leads, or dedicating time to skill development. Once you know your focus, don’t waver ??. ?? Adjust, Don’t Stop Life will throw challenges your way, and sometimes you’ll need to adjust your plan to keep moving forward. Adapting is part of the journey, but don’t let challenges derail you. Shift gears, refocus, and keep moving, even if the progress seems slow. Remember, small steps add up! ?? Success Isn’t Glamorous—It’s Consistent The truth is, success doesn’t always look exciting. Some days, you’d rather do anything else, but it’s those days that define you. Every call you make, every hour spent honing your skills, brings you closer to your goals. One day, someone will look at your journey and call it “overnight success”—but you’ll know it was earned through dedication and grit, even on the tough days. Stay the course, trust the process, and remember: consistency is your secret weapon ???.

New Year, Same You—Better Plans ?? As January begins, it’s natural to feel motivated to start fresh. “New Year, New You!” shouts every ad, urging us toward big changes ??. But here’s the truth: most grand New Year’s resolutions fizzle out before the end of January, leaving us feeling discouraged. So, instead of aiming for a “new you,” why not approach this year as the same capable you—with better plans? ?? Embrace Who You Already Are The “New Year, New You” mindset suggests there’s something about ourselves that needs fixing. But what if you focused on the strengths and habits you already have? Embrace who you are right now. Your skills and perspective are enough to achieve meaningful growth—no identity overhaul needed. ?? Refine Your Plans, Not Your Identity Forget drastic transformations. Set goals that build on your strengths and feel realistic. Break big aspirations into smaller, actionable steps. Instead of “get healthier,” try taking a 15-minute walk every day or adding more veggies to meals ??. ?? Build Momentum with Small Wins Consistency is far more powerful than perfection. Small, consistent actions add up to real change. Start small, celebrate small wins, and adjust as you go. Progress feels sustainable this way, not overwhelming. ? Plan for Real Life Most resolutions fail because they don’t consider real life. The unexpected will happen, and motivation will wane. Plan around it! If January’s a busy work season, set goals that fit your schedule. A realistic approach will keep you moving forward ??. ?? New Year, Same You—Only Better There’s nothing wrong with wanting to improve, but lasting change happens when we work with who we are. This year, aim to build on your strengths and set goals that feel authentic and achievable. Same you, better plans! Here’s to progress, not perfection ??.

? Done is Better than Perfect: Finishing Strong for Year-End Success ? As the year wraps up ???, it’s tempting to look at unfinished projects and think, “I’ll get to that next year.” But before letting tasks spill into January, consider this: done is better than perfect. The end of the year is the ideal time to finish those lingering projects, tie up loose ends, and set yourself up for a fresh start ??. ?? Progress Over Perfection Many of us let the pursuit of perfection delay our progress. We hold off, thinking there’s more we can do or that it’s not “quite right” yet ??. But waiting for perfect conditions often means missing valuable opportunities to complete meaningful work. Remember, most clients, team members, and stakeholders aren’t expecting flawless execution—they value action, reliability, and results ?. ? Focus on Finishing Look over your to-do list ?? and identify those tasks that have been lingering. Aim to complete them at a satisfactory level rather than striving for unattainable perfection. If it’s 90% ready, it’s ready ??. Mark it as done, celebrate the progress, and move on. Closing these loops is one of the most impactful things you can do to enter the new year feeling organized and productive ??. ? Procrastination Ends Here December is full of distractions ??, but it’s also an ideal time to cultivate a mindset of closure. When you put off projects, they drain your mental energy and block progress ??. By setting firm deadlines, you’ll overcome procrastination and gain momentum, building confidence for the fresh start ahead ??. Ready for a Clean Slate? ?? Finishing what you’ve started—rather than waiting to make it “perfect”—is key to closing the year with success ??. It’s time to wrap things up, clear the decks, and create space for new goals. Remember, there’s power in completion. Perfect or not, done is better than perfect ??!

? Feedback Without Fear: How to Give, Receive, and Actually Enjoy the Annual Review ? As we approach year-end ??, many are preparing for annual reviews—a process that, while often dreaded ??, can be met with a positive outlook ??. A well-conducted review lays the groundwork for a productive year ahead ??, so let’s dive into three essential aspects of feedback: giving, receiving, and soliciting ??. For Those Receiving Feedback ??♂???♀? Approach your review with an open mind ?? and a readiness to assume positive intent ??. Feedback is professional, not personal ??. None of us are flawless, and everyone has areas for growth ??. Embrace feedback as a tool to strengthen your skills and contributions ????. For Those Giving Feedback ?? When providing feedback, think about the entire review period ?. Review what happened in Q1, Q2, and Q3—not just recent events. If someone made a mistake last week ??, address it, but don’t let it overshadow their positive contributions from earlier in the year ??. A comprehensive approach will be fairer and more constructive ??. Leaders: Solicit Feedback from Your Team ?? One of the most impactful things a leader can do is request feedback from their team ???. Make it a two-way conversation. Encourage team members to come prepared with three things they think you’re doing well ? and three areas where there’s room for improvement ??. This signals that you genuinely value their insights and seek constructive feedback ??. A thorough review process—one that fully considers the year, fosters growth, and invites genuine input—sets the stage for a successful year ahead ??. Embrace the chance to refine, improve, and align with your team! ??????

?? As we enter October and the 4th quarter, the holidays ?? and the new year are fast approaching. What you do today will shape your Q1 next year. Now is the time to start your business plan for the coming year—but before diving into what's next, take a moment to reflect on the past year. What went right? ? What went wrong? ? If you have employees, conduct a thoughtful analysis of your team's strengths and areas for improvement. What are you focusing on for the remainder of the year? By assessing where you’ve been, you’ll have a clear roadmap for where you’re headed. Creating your business plan doesn’t have to be a lengthy process. In fact, a one-page business plan is far more effective than a crazy detailed plan that you spend weeks developing but never look at again. Your business plan should consist of the following 3 properties. 1?? Set clear goals. Determine your annual goal in terms of units and revenue, establishing both a base and a stretch goal. 2?? Identify 3 key focus areas. Choose 3 areas of focus that will enable you to hit your stretch goal. 3?? Develop up to 5 strategies per focus area. These strategies should be specific, actionable and measurable. Here’s a simple, 5-step process that should take less than 5 hours. Step 1: Reflect on the past year. Write down what worked, what didn’t, complete a team analysis and your key takeaways. Step 2: Draft your business plan for next year. Let it rest for a day or two before revisiting. Step 3: Review and refine your plan.? Step 4: Meet with a mentor, trusted colleague or coach for feedback. Ask them for brutal transparency to identify what you overlooked. Step 5: Finalize your plan. By taking the time to reflect, plan, and refine, you’ll be set up for success in the coming year—in 5 hours or less! Ready to take your 2025 business plan to the next level? At Stello Strategies, we specialize in helping businesses create tailored, actionable plans that drive results. Whether you need guidance refining your goals, identifying key focus areas, or implementing effective strategies, we’re here to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation today and let’s build your roadmap for a successful 2025—together. ??

As we conclude this series honoring my Mom & the invaluable lessons she shared, I find myself deeply moved by the journey this reflection has taken me on. I've also been touched by the outpouring of comments from many of you, sharing how these stories have sparked reflection on your own paths, your mentors & the values that have shaped your leadership style. Your shared reflections have made this series even more meaningful. I could easily go on & on about the lessons my mom instilled in me—there are so many more I could share! Maybe one day, I’ll gather them all into a book. For now, I hope that her mantras continue to resonate with you, just as they do with me, & that they inspire you to approach your life & work with the same heart, care & curiosity she so naturally embraced. Watch What’s Going on Around You: In business, paying attention to the small details & subtle cues can be incredibly impactful. This mindfulness helps us understand team dynamics, identify opportunities & make informed decisions that drive success. The World Doesn’t Revolve Around You: Cultivating empathy in the workplace involves understanding the perspectives & needs of others. This approach fosters stronger team collaboration, improves client relationships & creates a more inclusive & supportive work environment. Precious Cargo: Recognize that every interaction & relationship is valuable. Treating your team & clients with care & appreciation not only strengthens bonds but also enhances loyalty & trust, contributing to long-term business success. Childlike Wonder: Embrace a sense of curiosity & enthusiasm in your professional life. Approaching challenges with a fresh perspective & playful attitude can lead to innovative solutions & more effective problem-solving, driving creativity & growth. Mom's teachings have profoundly shaped who I am, & her legacy of love & thoughtfulness is one I strive to honor every day. Her influence continues to guide me, & I hope it inspires you to live with the same heart & consideration that she showed each of us. Thank you for joining me on this journey of reflection & remembrance. May her wisdom continue to illuminate your path as it does mine.

In this ongoing series inspired by my mother's wisdom, I explore how her lessons continue to shape my approach to life and business, even after her passing. During Mom’s Celebration of Life, I was struck by how much she meant to so many people. One moment, in particular, resonated deeply with me—my sister-in-law shared something that I had never fully articulated myself: one of the things she loved most about Mom was her unwavering childlike wonder. Whether it was the way her eyes would light up when greeting people, her love of games, or her ability to never take herself too seriously, Mom embodied a spirit of joy and curiosity that was infectious. One of the most striking things about Mom, articulated by my sister-in-law, was how she greeted people—with eyes that lit up and undivided attention that made each person feel special. She wasn’t just saying hello; she was fully present, welcoming everyone with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. This simple act holds profound implications for business. Imagine applying this principle to our interactions with teams and clients—offering them our full attention and making them feel valued. By doing so, we foster deeper connections, create a more motivated and productive work environment, and build stronger, trust-based client relationships that lead to better results. At work, it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking everything too seriously, letting stress and routine dull our creativity. But what if we held on to that sense of wonder? The next time you're faced with a challenging problem, try to approach it with the curiosity and playfulness of a child. Set aside what you think you know, and allow yourself to imagine new possibilities. You might just discover a solution that wasn’t obvious to your adult, and sometimes jaded, mind. By embracing the qualities that made my mom so special—her childlike wonder, her genuine warmth, and her ability to be fully present—we can create a more positive, productive, and fulfilling environment in both our personal and professional lives.

The journey through my mother's lessons continues, offering further insights into her impact on my business practices. Today we are going to dive into the softer skills she taught me and it involves something she never failed to mention before I boarded a plane. Every time, without fail, she would ask, 'You know what to tell the pilot, right?' My expected response was always, 'Yes ma’am, there’s precious cargo on the plane today.' Although I never actually told a pilot this, the message was clear: Mom loved me deeply. I will feel her absence every time I fly as it was a requirement to talk to her on the phone before every trip and text her when I take off and land—a ritual she insisted on as recent as Memorial Day this year when clearly I am a fully grown adult. While I will never get on a plane without hearing her words echo in my heart, the words precious cargo mean so much more to me than come home safely. Mom always made sure that the people she loved knew exactly how she felt.? She never left such important things unsaid; everyone in her life knew they were precious cargo to her. In business, I’ve taken Mom’s teachings and applied them to the teams I’ve led and the clients I serve. Just as she ensured that everyone in her life knew they were 'precious cargo,' I’ve made it a priority to show the same level of care and respect to those I work with. This approach has been critical to my leadership journey, fostering a culture where team members feel valued, supported and empowered. By treating my clients with the same attentiveness, I’ve built stronger, more trusting relationships that go beyond transactions. Embracing these softer skills has taught me that genuine care and connection are not just nice-to-haves but essential components of a successful and resilient business. Whether it’s a team member or a client, recognizing each person as 'precious cargo' helps create an environment where people feel seen, appreciated and motivated to contribute their best.

Continuing my series about how my Mom shaped my approach to business, today I want to share something she told me over and over again. “The World Doesn’t Revolve Around You.” For this context, it's helpful to understand my family. I was an only child with 2 loving and attentive parents. I had 8 living grandparents and I was the only grandchild on my Mom’s side for 7 years. Plus I had my uncle wrapped around my little finger. I was well loved to say the least, Mom would have said spoiled. Practically speaking, Mom may have been telling me that the world didn’t revolve around me all those years to simply keep me grounded because she knew that I was spoiled rotten and it was her job to raise a child that was kind and thoughtful of others. As I grew older, I realized the deeper wisdom in her words. The world doesn’t revolve around you, was about more than just manners and making me a respectful child. These words taught me the importance of empathy, of seeing the world through others' eyes, and recognizing that each person has their own journey and struggles. This wisdom shaped my character, reminding me to be considerate and compassionate, to listen as much as I speak, and to value the perspectives, opinions and feelings of others. I’ve found Mom’s mantra, “The World Doesn’t Revolve Around You,” to be a guiding principle for effective leadership and business success. Just as in personal interactions, business environments thrive when empathy and humility guide decision-making. A leader who understands that their role is to serve and support their team fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. By valuing the perspectives and contributions of others, we create stronger, more resilient organizations that can adapt and thrive in a dynamic world. I hope you can also apply Mom’s wisdom to your own leadership journey. As leaders, we are here to serve the teams we lead. Mom was right, the world doesn’t revolve around us.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing lessons my Mom taught me & how I’ve applied them to my life & business. Every time I walked out of her sight, she would say, “Watch what’s going on around you.” As a child, I understood Mom wanted me to be constantly aware of my surroundings. Her words echo in my brain as I navigate the world. In high school, I embarked on a school trip to New York City. Mom envisioned a highly chaperoned tour of the Big Apple. Instead, thanks to minimal supervision from the school sponsor, I, along with two buddies, found ourselves abandoned at the Statue of Liberty on Day 1. To be fair, I may have insisted on scaling Lady Liberty, despite protests from our teacher about time constraints so I wasn’t innocent. I am my mother’s daughter after all. As we navigated the subway, Chinatown, & Central Park alone—3 young teenagers armed with curiosity & no adult supervision, Mom’s words echoed in my mind. Watch what’s going on around you. We survived unscathed, though I can't say the same for our poor teacher once Mom stormed into the principal's office to share her concerns about her only child being left to her own devices in the city that never sleeps. I'm pretty sure that marked the end of school trips to the Big Apple. While Mom was often all smiles, you definitely didn’t want to be on her bad side because she was not afraid to speak her mind & let you know exactly what she thought. While Mom’s words aided in keeping me safe on that trip & throughout my life, I’ve realized they’ve had an even bigger impact. Her words, watch what’s going on around you, propelled me in my career. I realized that I don’t just apply her words for safety. She drilled these words into my head for so long, I didn’t have a choice but to apply them in all areas of my life. So at work, I notice a lot. I see nuances that some people might miss. Throughout my career, I’ve interviewed a ton of people & Mom’s words help me to get to know people quickly & understand where they might be able to best contribute. I can confidently say that Mom’s words, watch what’s going on around you, has been the foundation of my professional success as well as keeping me safe all these years.