I Got The Feeling

Yes, this post is a play on Sir James Brown’s epic ditty. Yeah, I said “ditty” and I Knighted James Brown today.  “Baby, Baby, Baaaaby.” Sometimes people don’t think that entrepreneurs need that extra kick when they get a feeling on something, as they are natural risk-takers. On the contrary – the more I work with entrepreneurs the more apparent it becomes that getting the ‘I got the feeling’ mojo needs to be followed up by pragmatic strategy with implementable tactics.

Too often excellent ideas are conjured but fall short of hitting the mark or driving revenue, due to a lack of follow-through.  Follow through is the number one thing that can change the arc of an organization. Conversely, there is no greater feeling than taking an esoteric idea and turning it into a tangible product or service that can move the needle.

First, you need to take incremental steps to reach that larger idea/goal. Map out exactly what it will take to get you to the end which you seek. If necessary, form strategic partnerships to help map out the parts that don’t fall into your area of expertise. Don’t be so arrogant as to prevent yourself from seeking help.  Also, go toward your goal in achievable and manageable increments.

You should also set smaller goals associated with those incremental steps. Sometimes the dream is so big that even when you take incremental steps, you can become disenchanted with the process because of a perceived inability to make a dent in the goal. If you achieve smaller goals, it can often be the boost you need to get you through the difficult days.

Find some way to remember the feeling you had when the idea first came to mental fruition. In other words, make sure you always ‘got the feeling.’ Having the feeling is great motivation to power through the slog of pragmatism.

Finally, believe in yourself! Better yet, know that you can make it happen. Claim the victory  before it even takes place because you can do it; you will do it and it is already done. Be thankful for the ability and guile to make it happen.  Remember, you’re only as good as your thoughts about yourself so get to feeling that you’re a giant while acting with humility.  Nothing can stop a determined confident person, with strength of conviction powering their wheels.  You are a Toyota (cheap shot).

Do you have any examples of big goals you eventually accomplished? What did you do to get there, and how did you feel when you did?