I think we all secretly have it. That one thing. My business would be growing, except… I would be making more money, except…
It’s always one thing, right? No matter who I talk to, it always boils down to “one thing.” Wealthy clients, startups, veteran companies, mom and pop shops — it doesn’t matter. The “one thing” is different for everyone. But it exists, none-the-less.
Still looking for that “one thing” you need to rocket you into success? Keep reading.
An old Russian proverb says, “If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.” Our attentions are so easily divided. Have you ever noticed that when you sit down to work on something you’ve been neglecting or start that next project, things just start popping up all over the place. And they don’t have to be bad things. Likely they are things you need to get done.
Today, my wife set the goal to finish painting the nursery for our newest employee. After all, we are 10 weeks away from his arrival. But, 1 hour into her anticipated start time… and she still hadn’t put paint on the wall. Things just kept coming up. Her intentions were good, but distractions kept getting in the way.
Before I give you the “one thing” you need, I’m going to give you a bonus. In fact, I’m going to give you 5. The 5 De’s. These don’t even have to be for your business, but if you put them into action in your life, it is just going to add fuel to your rocket. Are you ready for blast-off?
1. De-clutter.
In general, we Americans have too much stuff. And this is coming from a professional clutterer. My desk quickly becomes a catch-all. Even as I’m writing this, I am struggling to fight the urge to stop writing and clear off my desk. Every time I clean-up my workspace, I suddenly feel a load has been lightened. It isn’t always perfect, but just a clear space makes it easier to think somehow.
2. De-tox.
Sometimes we unknowingly let someone toxic into our lives. We think we are going to be the best of friends. Usually, it doesn’t take long to see their affect on your life. They slowly suck the joy and creativity out of your life. Find them. Recognize them for what they are. And cut them out. It’s not personal, it’s business.
3. De-ny.
Set up some boundaries. Dr. Henry Cloud in his book “Boundaries” says:
“Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership. Knowing what I am to own and take responsibility for gives me freedom. Taking responsibility for my life opens up many different options. Boundaries help us keep the good in and the bad out. Setting boundaries inevitably involves taking responsibility for your choices. You are the one who makes them. You are the one who must live with their consequences. And you are the one who may be keeping yourself from making the choices you could be happy with. We must own our own thoughts and clarify distorted thinking.”
Take ownership and responsibility for your life. You might be surprised at the different options that open up when you do.
4. De-vote.
Devote time to yourself. You deserve it. It doesn’t have to be an all-expense paid trip to the spa, but it does have to be about you. I work hard to provide for my family. So hard in fact, that it is easy to put myself last in the order of priority. Last night I bought a new game for my iPhone. I don’t really play lots of games, but I have been playing the free version of one for awhile here and there. My wife kept telling me to download the full version. It took me almost 2 weeks to give in. But, it was nice to unwind for a minute and spend some time doing something I enjoy.
5. De-light.
“Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NASB
This is a key to success that I have experienced time and time again. It adds fuel the fire and keeps me pushing when I want to crawl back into bed and go to sleep. Don’t miss out on it.
Okay. So now you are all fueled up and ready to go. All you need is that “one thing.” You need to get out of the way.
YOU are the one thing that is holding you back.
Typically, it manifests as excuses. Money being the biggest one. Excuses are the symptoms of the fears you are holding on to. What if it fails? What if I don’t succeed? These excuses keep us in bondage. So right now, take that “one thing” that keeps holding you back, write it down, and throw it away. Refuse to let it hold you back any longer!
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