The Path or The Prize?
As a small business owner, being goal-oriented and constantly working toward your vision of success comes with the territory. The focus is generally aimed at “The Prize” or end result, which might be more clients, a better product or service, or more income. If we aren’t constantly aiming for achievement, we won’t ever get there, right? Well, yes and no. We need to know where we want to go otherwise we can’t be intentional and focused on a tangible outcome. At the same time, research continues to show that being present and in the moment, provides positive impacts on performance and well-being.
Photo by John Elfes
So, while we want to be clear about our goals and to keep moving forward toward attainment, there is much to be gained in the learnings along the path.
By remaining aware of ourselves in our current activities, endeavors and conversations, we are also more conscious of our decisions, more open to possibilities and more tuned in to who we are and who we want to be in any given situation. This awareness can benefit us in many ways:
It allows us to recognize and celebrate small wins as we move forward.
We come to understand that even setbacks or disappointments can present us with gifts of learning and growth.
We experience an increased level of happiness or fulfillment by living in the now versus projecting to the when.
I thought this idea was captured in, of all places, an ad during the Super Bowl!
In the Michelob Ultra commercial the narrator questions:
“…are we happy cuz we won or did we win cuz we’re happy? What if we’re wrong in thinking that joy only comes at the end? What if joy is the whole game, not just the end game?”
I feel this message applies to both personal and business endeavors.
It reminds us to be in the moment, to savor and learn from what’s happening now. In this way the end result, the prize, becomes the path, no matter where it takes us in the end.
Conflux Business Coaching is about merging the best of who you are with who you want to be. Let’s connect and explore how you’re setting and achieving your business goals. Together we’ll ensure you’re making the most of each step along the way.
