The Importance of Defining A Successful Outcome


Ours is a world where people don’t know what they want and are willing to go through hell to get it.
-Donald Marquis

I’m what Marcus Buckingham would call an ‘Achiever’.

What gets me jazzed more than anything? Getting stuff done. Ticking stuff off my list. That’s what gives me a sense of accomplishment.

It’s not uncommon. It’s almost a part of the American work ethic. In fact, I’m willing to bet you’re exactly the same way.

I’d wager you have the ability to throw herculean efforts at any given mountain of ’stuff’ and grind through it. Hell or high water — you’ll knock it down to size. Heck, it’s probably a huge reason why you’ve been as successful as you have already.
 
But have you ever stopped yourself knee deep in drudgery only to as the question…Why? What am I doing here again?

It’s like having an epiphany.

Here’s the thing. You feel compelled to finish it. But have you defined what ‘finished’ means?

Defining the end result you want for every project you’re working on not only improves the end result but makes the process more enjoyable.
 
If you aren’t articulating the successful outcome of everything you pick up to work on, you’re at risk of wasting the most valuable asset you have — your TIME.

Related posts:

  1. Get It Done Week
  2. Why is Outcome Thinking So Important?
  3. How An Egg-Timer Can Increase Productivity
  4. How to Focus Your Time and Energy on Your Most Important Projects
  5. My Weekly Project Review Checklist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelly Andrew Brown and Small Business Guru provide Coaching, Inspiration and Practical Advice for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs. Subscribe to the free, weekly newsletter at www.small-business-guru.com

NOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article as long as you make no changes and you include the "About the Author" information at the end. Please let me know if and where you use this article.

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