Go Beyond Your Target

Establish your goals and hit your targets. Isn't that what every businessperson intends to do to ensure the successful completion of their projects? Unfortunately, despite good intentions, or a philosophical understanding, of what has to be done, people do not always accomplish their goals.

Let me explain some of the factors that can predict whether a project is accomplished, or not. The first factor I’ll discuss is the ability to use all of your resources, and to do it without guilt. When I train students in my Wisdom Martial Arts programmes, I observe which students fully extend their arms when punching at an imaginary target. Whether they are executives, doctors, students or their families, I can quickly determine who tends to use all of their resources, thereby increasing their likelihood of success.

Breakthroughs

Breakthroughs in personal and professional life are the result of going beyond the target. This is the second factor effecting the accomplishment of goals. If you want 10 customers, then set your goal at serving 20. If you want one million rupees, then see yourself having far more than that. You need to set your sights beyond what you see as your target.

This requires more than visualisation and wishful thinking. So often people stop just before they breakthrough the target. Stopping right at the target does not ensure success. Breaking-through requires effort, intelligent hard work. For me, intelligent hard work is the difference between digging a hole with a shovel and a bulldozer. It is the difference between using a washing machine to clean a family's laundry and doing it all by hand. There is nothing wrong with digging, or washing clothes by hand, but it takes more physical effort and time.

Teams

The same is true in business. Building teams that take responsibility for various aspects of a big project increases the likelihood that it can be accomplished faster and with even greater results. This is the third ingredient to achieving breakthrough success.

Teams require leadership to operate efficiently. It also calls for developing and utilising the virtue of Discipline and Constancy among members, as well as the overall team. As the leader of a team or project, ask yourself if you and your team have the knowledge and skills to get the job done on time with the resources available? If yes, you possess the aptitude, skills and knowledge needed.

Sabotage

Next, analyse the attitude of those involved. Ask whether everyone working on the team is committed to the success of the project and the success of the other members of the team. If people can't put aside their personal dislikes and grudges from the past, confusion and delays can result. If not attended to early, this can lead to chaos and even failure.

Proper attitude sets aside personality differences for the good of the project. I believe real freedom does not come from being independent of others, but in knowing that your life exists because of others. One of the responsibilities of team leaders is to create an environment within the team where people experience freedom to express creative ideas and communicate appropriately as long as proposals are reasonable, do not delay the projects, or negate the results.

Use your resources

How can you determine if your natural inclination is to use all of your resources? Try this simple exercise:

1. Stand in front of a mirror
2. Place your feet shoulder width apart
3. Imagine you are punching an imaginary target in the air

4. Observe your arms as you punch

   • Do you fully extend your arms?
   • Do you bend your elbows, so the force does not flow completely?
   • Do you punch with such a long reach, or so hard that you lose your balance?

Once you know your style, it is easier to consciously correct any sabotaging attitudes and aptitudes. Whether you are working towards a goal on your own, or as a team member, this will help you achieve a success and lasting fulfilment.