Conquering Your Mountain: A Practical Guide to Achieving Business Goals
Carl Hinett
Director at re:find: successfully helping business leaders to find the talent to deliver change.
Achieving business goals—whether personal or professional—can be a daunting task. We all have our metaphorical mountain tops: those seemingly insurmountable objectives we dream of reaching. But how can we conquer them effectively and systematically?
One proven approach is outlined in The One Thing by Gary Keller. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a must. The book presents a transformative question: What is the one thing you can do such that by doing it, everything else will become easier or unnecessary? It’s “the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results.”
Keller’s approach revolves around breaking down big goals into long-term and short-term objectives, transforming them into manageable, actionable tasks. Let’s explore how this framework can help you tackle your business ambitions step by step.
Step 1: The Process To Achieving Business Goals – Direction and Action
This process works in two essential stages: finding direction and chasing action.
1. Finding the Right Direction
Before diving into the details, step back and ask yourself: What is the one thing I truly want to achieve? This big-picture goal should align with your ultimate vision—whether it’s scaling your business, reaching a specific revenue target, or mastering a personal skill. Think of it as your North Star, guiding all your efforts.
Once defined, visualise what success looks like. For instance:
Clarity at this stage is crucial. Without a clear destination, you’ll struggle to chart an effective course.
2. Taking the Right Actions
The second stage focuses on breaking your goal into manageable tasks. Start small:
By consistently returning to your one thing, you ensure every action is deliberate, aligned, and impactful. This approach also prevents overwhelm, as you’re tackling one focused task at a time instead of being paralysed by the enormity of the goal.
Step 2: Staying on Track To Achieving Business Goals
Even with a solid plan, staying on track can be challenging. Here’s how you can maintain focus and momentum:
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Define Your Goals Clearly
Vague goals lead to vague results. Instead of saying, I want to grow my business, aim for something concrete like:
Be Specific About the Benefits
Understanding why you’re pursuing a goal keeps you motivated. What will achieving this bring you or your business? Will it enhance profitability, improve team dynamics, or free up your time? When you’re clear on the benefits, it’s easier to stay disciplined.
Regularly Revisit the ‘One Thing’
Distractions are inevitable, but returning to your one thing helps cut through the noise. Every time you feel pulled in multiple directions, ask: Is this contributing to my goal? If not, let it go.
Commit to Accountability
Share your goals with trusted colleagues, friends, or family. Let them hold you accountable. Writing down your goals and setting deadlines also creates urgency and keeps you on track.
Celebrate Wins – Big and Small
Don’t wait for the final milestone to celebrate. Acknowledge smaller achievements along the way. This not only boosts morale but also reminds you how far you’ve come, motivating you to keep going.
A Practical Example To Achieving Business Goals: Breaking Down Goals
Let’s say your business goal is to launch a new service within six months. Here’s how to apply this framework:
Final Thoughts: Reach Your Mountaintop
Success doesn’t come from a single monumental effort but from consistent, deliberate steps. By focusing on the one thing and breaking your goals into manageable actions, you can reduce overwhelm, build momentum, and set yourself up for long-term success.
Whether you’re pursuing business growth, personal development, or any other ambition, the key is clarity, focus, and persistence. Keep climbing, and don’t forget to pause occasionally to celebrate how far you’ve come.