Article Summary
James Clear shared something in one of his emails that hit me like a ton of bricks and it might be the wake up call you need too.
“The results of success are usually public and highly visible, but the process behind success is often private and hidden from view. It’s easy to want the public rewards, but also you have to want the hidden costs.” – James Clear
In this episode I’m digging into this to help you ask yourself the hard question: am I capable and willing to put in the effort required to achieve this goal?”. I share examples of what this can mean for you and I emphasis that it’s okay (more than okay actually!) if the answer is “no”. You can change your goal when needed! If you can be honest about what effort is needed and if that’s something we can commit to, you’re more likely to hit your goal with ease and more fun along the way. Let’s dig into James’ thoughtful words and allow them to help you set and achieve your goals.
Takeaways
- Pubic results are fun and exciting but don’t forget about the hidden costs and sacrifices that have to be made to achieve the goal.
- Being honest with yourself about what you’re capable and willing to do in this season of life will set you up for success.
- Goals can be adjusted! Adjust if needed and don’t be afraid to seek support along the way.
Understanding The Hidden Costs Of Success In Your Small Business
James Clear shared a quote in a recent email that hit me like a ton of bricks. I immediately took it and shared it with clients and in an email of my own but I wanted to expand on this here too. It’s all about how we too often ignore the hidden costs of success. Here are his words:
“When you choose the benefits of an action, you also choose the drawbacks.
If you want to be an author, you can’t only choose the finished novel and book signings. You are also choosing months of lonely typing. If you want to be a bodybuilder, you can’t only choose the fit body and attention. You are also choosing the boring meals and calorie counting.
You have to want the lifestyle, not just the outcomes. Otherwise, it doesn’t make any sense being jealous. The results of success are usually public and highly visible, but the process behind success is often private and hidden from view. It’s easy to want the public rewards, but also you have to want the hidden costs.” – James Clear
*You can read the entire email here
For business owners, this might mean:
- Early mornings or late nights when that’s not your favorite
- Consistent learning when it’s hard to comprehend at first
- Negativity to your thoughts and ideas
- Lack of sales or engagement when you share something you’re excited about
- Trying multiple times and feeling like nothing is working
- Uncertainty in almost everything
- Realizing how little you can actually control in your business
But when you understand the effort required as you go into the process, you’re more likely to continue and push through the hard times so you can actually get to the result you want.
Honesty With Yourself And Achieve Success In Your Small Business
Now that I’ve made it feel like a slugfest when it comes to growing your business, here’s the good news…when you’re honest with yourself about your current capacity, you can actually hit your goals with ease.
It won’t happen fast or easily but you will have ease in the process because you’re anticipating the effort and sacrifices required. Additionally, you can let go of goals that you can’t achieve right now due to your capacity.
Performance = capacity + willingness
- Capacity: your current energy, time, finances, skills/knowledge
- Willingness: your commitment to put in the effort required knowing it will be hard
If you realize that the effort is not something you have the capacity or willingness to do in this season of life, change the goal with no judgment. Simply put it on the shelf for a later date or let it go completely. Knowing this is fantastic self-awareness and this is what allows you ease even when things are easy.
Takeaway Message/Action
Take just 10 minutes today to think about your current goal that you’re pursuing. Ask yourself “what will be required for me to achieve this goal?” and list out all the effort, the sacrifices, the process it will take in order for you to reach your goal.
Once you have this list, ask yourself “am I willing and capable to put in this effort?”. If the answer is yes, get after it with confidence! If the answer is no, change your goal and go after what you have the actual capacity and willingness to pursue.
Until next time give yourself permission to change your goal when you need to and grace along the way. I’ll talk to you soon!