You Go Where You're Looking.

In the world of business, it’s easy to get caught up in the present moment. Focusing on current financials, immediate challenges, and recent accomplishments can consume the lion’s share of our attention. But, as any seasoned entrepreneur knows, it’s where we’re headed that really matters.

Think of your business like a motorcycle ride. The bike goes where your head is pointed. If you look down, you go down. To avoid a crash, keep your gaze fixed on where you want to go. To maintain the best control, look far ahead. The same principle applies to business: focus on where you’re going, not where you are.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to chart a course for success, using experimentation, iteration, and execution to propel your business forward.

1. Establish a clear vision

To set your sights on the future, you first need a clear vision of where you want your business to go. This vision should be ambitious but achievable, acting as both a guiding star and a motivator. Consider what you want to accomplish, the impact you want to have, and the legacy you want to leave. Armed with this vision, you can steer your business toward a more successful future.

“The most important task in business—the creation of new value—cannot be reduced to a formula and applied by professionals. It requires the ability to think and see the world differently, looking for the hidden truths that others overlook or ignore.”

( Peter Thiel , Zero to One)

2. Set SMART goals

Your vision is the destination, but you’ll need milestones along the way to measure progress and maintain momentum. That’s where SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals come in. By setting and striving for SMART goals, you’ll be able to track your progress, make adjustments as needed, and celebrate your achievements.

“Too much time is spent worrying about what’s happened and where things stand — elements that can’t be changed. What can be controlled is focusing on the task at hand and performing it at the highest level.”

( David Cummings , “Think About Systems More than Goals”)

3. Embrace experimentation

No business plan is perfect, and no entrepreneur can predict the future with absolute certainty. That’s why it’s essential to be open to experimentation. Test new ideas, products, or marketing strategies, and be prepared to learn from the results, whether they’re successes or failures. Each experiment is an opportunity to refine your approach and bring your business closer to its ultimate destination.

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”

(Aristotle, Politics & Poetics)

4. Iterate and learn from setbacks

Even with the best-laid plans, setbacks are inevitable. Instead of being discouraged, use these challenges as learning experiences. Analyze what went wrong, identify the lessons learned, and iterate on your approach. By treating setbacks as opportunities for growth, you’ll become more resilient and agile in the face of change.

“In the process of trial and error, our failed attempts to get it right is ultimately what helps us grow.”

( Ryan Holiday , Lives of the Stoics)

5. Execute with focus and discipline

Achieving your vision requires unwavering focus and discipline. Set priorities, establish routines, and hold yourself and your team accountable for delivering results. Stay committed to your goals, even when the going gets tough. Remember, it’s the journey that shapes the destination, and each step forward is a victory in itself.

“A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.”

(Herbert, Dune)

6. Keep an eye on the horizon

As you work to grow your business, it’s crucial to remain forward-looking. Continuously scan the landscape for new opportunities, emerging trends, and potential threats. By staying vigilant and responsive, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the twists and turns of the entrepreneurial road and steer your business toward success.

"Your motorcycle goes where you look, so look where you want to go. To maintain control, look well ahead, not down."

(Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Basic RiderCourse Handbook, page 33, section "SEE: Search, Evaluate, Execute.")

Conclusion

When it comes to building a successful business, it’s essential to focus on where you’re going, not where you are. Establish a clear vision, set SMART goals, embrace experimentation, learn from setbacks, and execute with focus and discipline. By keeping your gaze fixed on the future, you can navigate the road to success and bring your business to exciting new heights. You've got this.