Vita's Tip In 10: Another Year is Gone: What Have You Done?

Hello, hello, friend! Welcome back to another episode of Vita's Tip in 10. As I look back at the 90 episodes that I have personally done over the last year and a half, there were several on the overall CEO mindset and ALL that it takes to be an entrepreneur, especially in the window treatment business.

Today, I want to highlight two episodes that still resonate with me, episode 60 on moving forward despite fears, and episode 92 about setting goals for predictable results. These are classics, timeless reminders that entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted, and success demands courage and strategic planning. You know, and I know, that owning and running a business is not for sissies! So we’re going to look back at the importance of these two topics, and how they relate to closing out your year.

In episode 60, I explored the common thread that binds entrepreneurs—the fear of the unknown. Fear affects us all. It's not unique to you, me, or any other business owner. Yet, the key is not to let fear dictate our actions. I shared specific examples of my own experiences, where allowing fear to take control would have hindered my growth.

Was it easy? No. Was it terrifying? Absolutely. Did I do it anyway? Yes. I encourage you to do the same. If you're afraid of hiring, investing in education, or making necessary changes, acknowledge the fear, and don't let it paralyze you. Move past it, prioritize action, and take one step at a time.

Now, episode 92 delves into the power of goal setting for predictable results. In a world filled with uncertainties like the economy, supply chain issues, and individual customer behavior, there's comfort in knowing that many aspects of entrepreneurship do have predictable outcomes if we follow proven steps. The episode emphasizes that you don't need to reinvent the wheel. The advice and plans shared on this podcast, based on real experiences, are there for you to follow.

Your business results are not a mystery; they're directly proportionate to the effort and discipline you put in. If you're contemplating hiring help, investing in your business, or embracing change, follow the advice, and your results will align with the goals you set.

One of the primary reasons we don't follow through on plans is fear. Fear holds us back, and it's a hurdle we all face. We've all erred on the side of caution, sometimes feeling paralyzed. Yet, in embracing Episode 60's message, we must find the courage to move past fear. It's not about eliminating fear; it's about acknowledging it and taking action despite it.

And that's what I'm asking you to do. You may have a fear of hiring. You may have a fear of investing in yourself, in education and professional development. You may have a fear of moving out of your space, you may have a fear of adding a new machine. You may have a fear of putting yourself up on social media, you may have a fear of making that next cold phone call. Whatever that fear is today, I encourage you to think about it. Examine it, acknowledge it, feel it, don't push it away. Then dig deep.

Find the courage to move past it. Do it anyway. And I know, that can sometimes be easier said than done. Sometimes that courage is hard to come by. All you have to do to move forward is put one foot in front of the other, putting the feelings aside, and prioritizing action.

So I started today's episode by saying there have been 90 pieces of advice just from me that you have heard over the last year and a half, and there have also been 243 pieces of advice between Luann, Madeline, and I.

What have you done with all this advice? Did you take advantage of at least one thing? Did you get the result that you wanted? Did you try five things? Did you try 10 things? Try all the things? If you have done nothing, then your result is absolutely predictable. And if you have done something your result is equally predictable. You will achieve what you set out to do. You will reach the goal that you have set for yourself. If you do something about it. It is just as simple as that. It’s predictable, calculable, foreseeable.

There’s no secret. Do you feel fearful in the process? Probably. Did you feel hesitation? Sure. Do you sometimes not want to do it? Hell yes. Is it easier to hide behind the computer instead of being in front of the camera? Hell yes. Is it easier to stay in the office instead of go to that next networking event? All day, every day. Will this inaction get you the result that you want? No, my friend, it will not.

I’m asking the tough questions to close out this year—What have you done? What did you set out to do? Did you do it?— because it's essential to reflect on your actions. The results you achieve are directly tied to your efforts. If you've done nothing, your result is predictable. If you've taken steps, your result is equally predictable. Success in business is not a secret; it's about putting in the work and moving through fear. Move right through it. Move past it. Embrace it, acknowledge it, feel it, don't push it away and then put one foot in front of the other.

As we enter 2024, consider your choices. Do you want the same result, just listening to podcasts without taking action? Or do you want a predictable result by following advice, creating a plan, and executing it step by step every day? The choice is yours, and it's time to prepare for the next chapter in your business journey.

If you're not feeling confident about planning for what’s next for your business or you're struggling to move forward despite fears, there are two ways we can work together. Join my Systems Driven Operations class at LuAnn University. Use promo code HOLIDAY at checkout to save $300. Alternatively, opt for my VIP Experience, a private, two-day in-person intensive where I share everything I’ve got. Spots are limited for 2024, so reach out, and let's schedule a conversation.

Reflect on the lessons from episodes 60 and 92 as you plan for the coming year. Remember, fear is part of the journey, and so is courage. Your business results are within reach, and the steps are clear. Take action, move past fear, and let's make the next year your most successful one yet.

Meanwhile, I'll be working on my next episode of Vita's Tip in 10. Talk to you next Thursday!