How to Practice Sticktoitiveness and Succeed in Business

Sticktoitiveness? Yes, it’s a real word. I checked! Dictionary.com has the definition:

noun: dogged perseverance; resolute tenacity; also written stick-to-it-ive-ness
Example: The only way she has published so many books is through stick-to-it-ive-ness.

Funny how the example above matches my blog post today… perfectly!

It is with great joy that I officially announce the addition of my…. newly completed book! I started the book project in April of 2013 and the launch date is nearing. If that isn’t an example of sticktoitiveness, I don’t know what is!

So, how did I do it? And, how can you achieve your business goals?

I’m not a coach, psychologist, or anything close—just a lowly marketing and branding specialist. But, I did learn a few things in the 2⁺ years I’ve been at this.

7 Tips On Achieving Your Business Goals

1. Having a goal isn’t enough.

Achieving it requires self discipline. Most importantly, you have to really want it to stay motivated. That’s the key. If you’re ambivalent or run hot and cold, it may not happen unless you have a horseshoe up your…

2. Share your goal with others.

When you tell colleagues, family, or friends (whichever works), you are making a declaration. You are stating your intention to reach that goal. That way, people can ask how it’s going and give you encouragement. In a way, it makes you accountable to them.

Related Article: Passion, Persistence, and Perseverance

If your goal is related to your job, then you are accountable to your supervisor and/or team, and your job depends on success. Hopefully that will keep you motivated.

3. Make a plan.

This is the part that typically gets forgotten or abandoned. But, it is SO important. You need a strategy before you can create the tactics that will help you achieve your objectives.

4. Make an action plan.

Once you’ve developed the tactics, create an action plan (or critical path) with deadline dates. This plan isn’t written in stone unless you have definite deadlines. It can be a fluid document that changes as needs and delays occur. This is especially true if you’re trying to complete a project in your “spare” time, separate from working hours.

5. Enlist opinions and feedback.

When you’re unsure of a decision, it helps to ask the most appropriate people around you. You never know what brilliant ideas you’ll get that can make your idea or project that much better.

6. Share your progress.

Whether you share with colleagues at staff meetings or post to friends and family on Facebook, announcing your smaller achievements will bring applause and pats on the back. This helps you stay encouraged and moving forward.

7. Announce the completion.

When you reach your goal, announce it! Celebrate your success. No matter what happens next, whether the project takes off, stalls, or fails, you gave it your best shot and followed it through from concept to completion. Tweak whatever needs revising and persevere until results improve.

There’s never any guarantee of success on any goal you tackle. But, one thing’s for sure. Your odds improve when you develop a strategy, stay the course, share your progression, and celebrate the end. Now, that’s sticktoitiveness.