Execution

Welcome to another edition of "Why Some People Win." This week, we are talking about execution or the ability to get things done. At the end of the day, it is what you do that matters. We all have dreams and aspirations, but if we do not make plans and execute those plans, we will not achieve success.

Merriam-Webster defines the term, execute, as to "put into effect, carry out, perform."

There are two ways to execute our goals. The first is having a clear goal in mind, with actionable daily and weekly steps to work towards that goal. The second is taking action and following through by completing the daily or weekly steps.

Let's say I want to lose 12 lbs in the next 12 weeks. My goal should have a clear deadline and a reward for completing it. Let's break down the goal over the time period. I would need to lose at least one pound each week. Next, I need to come up with key steps to work towards my goal. Key steps are the steps that have the greatest benefit towards reaching your goal. My first key step might be to keep my calorie intake to 1200 each day versus the 2000 calories I would ?normally eat. This may involve intermittent fasting, where I only eat within a certain time period. I could also modify what I eat and the amount I eat. Another key step might be to walk for at least 30 minutes each day. Now that I have a few key steps listed out, I can go into my calendar and block out time to complete each step over the next seven days.

It is important to plan out your week, as it makes the steps more tangible.

At the end of each week, I will evaluate my progress over the past seven days and make adjustments. Did I complete my steps at the scheduled time? Were they too difficult or too easy? It's important to measure how you did and create ways to improve your performance for the next week. Maybe I ate too many calories on the weekends. To solve this, I could plan out my weekend meals in advance and stick to those.

The truth is change is uncomfortable. On the other side of discomfort is growth. Do what is necessary. Remember to also give yourself grace. Very few complete the steps perfectly the first few times. That is okay. As long as you make an honest effort, adjust and learn from your experience, that is what really matters.

Do you have a professional goal you want to accomplish? Write down the goal in detail and have a clear deadline. Next, determine the key steps you will need to take each day or week to accomplish the goal. Then, block out time during the week to complete the steps. At the end of each week, evaluate your performance and make adjustments.

One of my goals is to continue with this newsletter. I am learning to execute regardless of how I feel or what obstacles get in my way. That is it for now.

Share some of your goals and your progress with us by commenting below.

Give credit where credit is due.The source for these thoughts comes from the

12 Week Year Book by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington.

Reference

“Execute.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/execute. Accessed 10 Mar. 2023.