Zain Kahn recently shared tips he wished he had known earlier in his career and this one stood out: "Successful and unsuccessful people have the same goals. You never rise to the level of your goals. You always fall to the level of your habits. Goals are just dreams. Habits make them a reality."
It is indeed a harsh reality check. The stories are all around us. The friend who lost over 50 pounds versus the one struggling to lose 5. The incredible story of a homeless father becoming a wall street executive. A small-town rural HVAC technician becoming a vocal sensation. It all boils down to consistency in and execution of the little things.
I am always inspired by the teachers who can take what many would consider the "impossible" class roster and make magic happen. Their goal: make a difference in those children's lives. Their habits: persevering through the behavioral outbursts time and time again with a positive outlook; remediating as many varied times as it takes to make the connection; caring every day about the person and then the learning.
The same principle applies to employees, business initiatives, an organization's culture, and personal goals. Establish the goal--that's step one. But if you never take step two--develop and execute the habits consistently--you'll never get there. Read step two closely. It's one thing to establish habits; it is something greater when you execute them. It is even grander when you do them consistently. This is usually what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
As a leader, you oftentimes set goals--for individuals and the organization. Don't stop there. Identify the habits needed to succeed; support their development; ensure they are done consistently and in service to the goal. Lead by actions and not just words.
Ask yourself: Are you making goals a reality; or will they just remain a pipe dream?
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