FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Ninety-two percent - The number of people that will NOT accomplish their goals this year! That number haunts me and motivates me to help inspire and enable people (including myself) to defy those odds. So, what are the 8% doing differently? It is not rocket science, it is not complicated, you do not need a Ph.D., nor do you need money. They are leaders and follow a basic, repeatable formula.
There is a constant debate about whether leaders are born or nurtured. Some people are just born leaders, and everything seems to just come naturally to them. They make up a large part of the 8% that accomplish their goals. They naturally follow the same formula, whether they realize it or not. Other leaders learn and succeed. This means everyone can leverage this formula and apply it in all situations.
So, what is this formula? E3E Equals Why leaders are successful.
E3E = EXPRESS + ENGAGE + EXECUTE, powered by EMOTIONS
EXPRESS: Define the ideal vision of the 'end state' along with the Why/Purpose
ENGAGE: Connect with the people you need to influence for success
EXECUTE: Define the steps and measurements to ensure it happens
EMOTIONS: The human, personal and emotional qualities to be vulnerable, committed, and without FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt)
EXPRESS: THINK IDEALISTICALLY, NOT REALISTICALLY
Although you can truly start with any element of the formula, since it is the start of the new year, let us start with EXPRESS. This first element is about painting the picture of the ‘end state’ in detail. This is not about a checklist of things you realistically think you can accomplish. This is about creating your ideal end state – what you would absolutely love; suspending all fears, uncertainties, doubts, and limiting thoughts.
Each year, month, project, day, or even hour, provides us an opportunity to stop, reflect and own our desired outcome. However, our natural tendencies nudge us to take the easiest path, do as we are told/taught, avoid risks, or do nothing. We get caught up in the day-to-day. Even if we do stop and think about our ‘new years’ resolutions we tend to think realistically, rather than expressing what we genuinely want, what it looks like, and how we will feel when we accomplish it. Successful leaders stop and EXPRESS the desired outcome upfront.
Let me share a personal scenario of applying the formula in 2021. My husband and I ended up with two homes as the result of our marriage and needed to make decisions on what to do. Most people would simply say, ‘Sell Apt A.’ However, there was more to this decision, and it included addressing emotional baggage. So, we started with the question, ‘What would we love?’ We both agreed that we would love a brand-new home on the water, with a huge wrap-around porch to spend more time outdoors and with plenty of room to entertain friends and family. We suspended what was realistic and defined our idealistic state. Once we had that it was easier to make decisions as to what we could accomplish. As a result, we defined our desired outcome for this year as:
Simplify our lives by creating one living space that provides a relaxed environment, incorporates water views, optimizes time outdoors, and afforded us more time to spend with friends and family – either at home or by traveling. We did in fact end up selling Apt A, but we also renovated our other apartment, now have water views from all rooms, secured a parking garage for our care, and love where and how we are living.
So, if you want to be part of the 8%, the first step is to EXPRESS what it is that you would love. In the next few weeks, we will explore the other elements of the formula, but here is a challenge to get you started with the first element.
FIVE STEPS TO EXPRESS YOUR DESIRED OUTCOMES FOR 2023
1. Carve out time to think, eliminating all distractions. Let go of all pre-conceived notions, fears, uncertainties, doubts, and limiting beliefs. Meditation is a fantastic way to start this exercise to clear the mind.
2. Imagine the end result. Close your eyes and fast forward to New Year’s Eve 2023. Imagine the event in detail. Think about where you are, who you are with, what you are doing, and how you are feeling. Think about what you are celebrating. What have you accomplished? Be specific on the details, why it is so important, and how you feel.
3. Think idealistically, not realistically! Do not worry about what is or is not possible. Take your magic wand and consider any outcome you would love. Allow your chest to fill with pride. Revel in your good fortune. Take a deep breath, smile, and toast your success.
4. EXPRESS the outcomes. With that feeling still fresh, open your eyes and write down the 2-4 things you were celebrating. Be specific and express, “What did success look like at the end of the year.”
5. Refine and own the list. Challenge yourself – is this what you would really love, is this big enough? Did you think idealistically and not let realism, fears, doubts hinder you? Understand why this is important to you. Refine the list and then commit to it. This is the first element of the formula for success.
Throughout the year E Equals Why will continue to share success stories of leaders that have followed this formula, innately or deliberately. We recently highlighted Mark Nadasdi who EXPRESSed his goal of becoming Pre-Sales Leader of the Year (2021) and succeeded. You can read his story here.
E EQUALS WHY LEADERS SUCCEED
Great leaders can be described as inspirational, authentic, empowering, and courageous, but they are also the leaders that consistently deliver results. E Equals Why has developed the formula: E3E = EXPRESS + ENGAGE + EXECUTE, powered by EMOTIONS to help drive outcomes.
How will you EXPRESS your success for 2023? Learn more about E3E Leadership at www.eequalswhy.com
