Every time you start something new, there will be lots of challenges. This is a fact. We’re told that these challenges are what make achieving the goal more worthwhile – success will taste so much sweeter! One of my greatest challenges has been to stay focussed on the task at hand when there was no one waving a stick. Before starting BizSync, I was employed in some key roles in global companies. Lots of perks and high profile. The last role I occupied before making the leap certainly offered me even more that I was used to – big name, strategic autonomous role, great package and confidence-boosting mentors. So why did I leave? Well, I definitely have asked myself that question a couple of times, particularly in the first 3 months of starting BizSync. And during those 1st few months, lots of different opportunities came calling – some could add to the business, and some definitely would mean a step away. When you are eating into the savings, those opportunities do seem like the answer. However, every time I looked and analysed these opportunities, one of which included going back to the afore-mentioned role, this voice within kept saying “but that would mean leaving the business behind….and I can’t do that; just keep following the path, it will happen!”
So how do you stay focussed on what you want, when there can be so much pulling you in different directions? Here’s some tips:
1. Remind yourself why
It’s always easy to the believe the grass is always greener on the other side. When you feel that you are being dragged into different options or feel disillusioned in what you are pursuing, find a quiet corner, grab a pen and your journal and write down why you walked away from that “heavenly role”. For me, I had to remind myself, that while on the surface, my previous role and other opportunities looked fantastic, in reality, I was bored, restless and always thinking of owning a business. While the regular income was a good feeling, I wasn’t doing anything long term with it – I always found some excuse to not take that next step and, particularly in this market, no job is guaranteed! I had to go back to the vision behind the business and as silly as it may seem, look at my budget. The truth is a I had a plan and while the 2nd month wasn’t eventful; it was going as expected.
2. Be Realistic
One of my fundamental beliefs is always forecast out and plan realistically. Anytime, you start something new, it takes time to build momentum and get back to the same stage you were at before you started! Whether it’s going back to study, or saving for a car, or starting a business, it will take time to realise that investment. Most research indicates that in the first 2 years of a business, you run at a loss and then, by the end of the 3rd year, you start to break-even or show a slight profit. Remember this initial time is an investment – it’s time to gather knowledge, to understand the market, to know how you are positioned in this wider environment – as a good friend and very successful entrepreneur once told me, enjoy the time while you can as when it takes off, you’ll wish you had it again!
3. Surround yourself with People who get it!
Not a lot of people like change – in fact, most do whatever they can to avoid it! Particularly in field of finance, people follow the path and any deviations cause fear and an absolute need to redirect the individual/organisation to get back on the path. I’ve seen many of the people I’ve study or worked with go down a pre-calculated path and they have stayed focussed and worked hard. I admire that they have used focus to get what they want! And I take nothing away from them. However, there are also people out there – those rebels that follow their passion, who have this buzz factor and also, achieve their goals. These people also champion others and when you with them, you know that you too can go after what makes you happy. Surround yourself with your cheering squad, or even 1 person, who gets it. They can remind of why you are doing what you are and can also, ensure you get your “A into G” and get on with it.
4. Life is short - redefine success
Finally, remember, life is short and there are no guarantees. I always say to people I work with, particularly graduates, if you don’t get up in the morning, buzzing and excited about what you do that day, then find something that does. Learning that the definition of success is not universal. We have seen so many examples of the outside personifications of success and what that does to people and organisations. However, when you feel what you put out there is an extension of yourself, where you go beyond what is right path and find something that makes you feel in synergy with your environment, that for me, is success.
Going down a path that is different means that you are always being challenged on whether you’ve chosen correctly. However, if you can step back, away from all the noise, and observe, you will find your focus. It is focus with a natural synergy and you know you have chosen what’s right for you.
Prenelle Rungan
Prenelle is a fully qualified CA and lawyer. She has held senior finance roles with global and local companies over the last 15 years. She is currently a Director of BizSync Limited, a consulting company that strives to start businesses on the right foundations. If you wish to contact her, please visit her website www.bizsync.co.nz/contact.