I’m reading a book, The 12 Week Year, by Brian P. Moran. I was drawn to the book primarily due to one word, “execution.” Now, this is not a book about death; it’s about getting things done. I was transfixed by a phrase in the book, “The most difficult challenge people face is not the lack of knowledge but the lack of execution.” Many of the leaders I traffic with point to the “execution” of a decision as the critical component necessary to achieve ANYTHING. You can have great ideas, a well-resourced team, and all the knowledge necessary to complete the task, but if your plans never get executed, you’re done before you start.
Every year, January brings a boatload of big intentions and resolutions. “I’m going to lose weight.” “I’m going to get in shape.” “I’m going to finish that project.” We all have our lists. But, what sets people apart is the will, ability, and determination to execute their plan until it’s completed. Moran says, “Having a plan without executing it is a futile attempt at being productive.” I agree with him. How about you? Do your intentions outweigh your record of accomplishments? Here’s the challenge: Do a “brain dump,” writing down all you hope to accomplish this week, month, and year. Prioritize the top three and then list exactly what it will take to accomplish them…money, time, training, education, teamwork, etc. Then, pull the trigger and start. You’ll be surprised by how much you’ll accomplish.