One of the most deadly traits that continues to sabotage your success is perfectionism.
What do I mean by that?
Well, this past Friday at our Chapter Event, we had a long time member of our group, very wonderful and fun person, although, very strange, because his name is Joe – Strange. He owns and operates the Mystery Café (learn about it at http://www.themysterycafeindy.com). …He stood up and rattled off three things he’s now doing to grow his business.
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And, to be honest, he said it with great pride, and more enthusiasm than I’ve seen him talk amongst the group in a while. For good reason – because “take-action successes and executions” are worth feeling good about.
Because he broke through this superstition of Perfectionism.
Now, whether you like it or not, believe in it or not, the Dictionary says the word superstition equals “irrational belief”.
And that’s exactly why I call Perfectionism this.
The real evil power behind this word and feeling is F E A R!
So, that’s why I say, it’ll kill Your goals, dreams, success, and money flow faster than anything else.
Just think about it for a moment – if you’d like, make a list of everything You continue to put off, things you think about, then discount with a ‘real’ reason.
Are there actions or ideas you hesitate on?
Ventures or relationships you avoid?
Opportunities you waste or ignore?
Money you leave on the table?
You can say, all you want, that your inaction is because you “want it all to be perfect” but you’d be wrong – believe me – I, we, are all alike, that’s why weEntrepreneurs have got to stick together, at least if we want to reach our ultimate potential, it’s impossible if left to our own demise.
It’s all about Fear.
There are obvious ways to break through it.
The way Mr. Strange has done it – a couple ways that I’ll speak on his behalf are
1. being around other entrepreneurs, month in and month out
2. expecting more from himself and his business
3. reading marketing and sales books and material
4. constantly thinking about the possibilities and opportunities
5. just doing it and letting the results be the judge
6. playing the game ONLY to win
Now, You’re wondering what exactly he has done.
For starters,
- he’s begun sending regular emails to his Customer Database.
- He now captures the names of his guests for future follow-up
- He’s sent paper and ink letters with promotions to his best customers
Now, whether or not that impresses You, doesn’t matter, what does, is that you ask yourself the question, HOW OFTEN ARE YOU DOING EACH OF THESE?
And, then, of course, remember back, before You were, if you are, and how big a break through it was for you!
Fear of results or lack their of.
Fear of opinion of other people.
Fear of failure.
Fear of feeling bad.
Fear of loss of money.
All of these and more play into our belief system.
Here’s what we should be afraid of:
FEAR of losing Opportunity
FEAR of losing Time
FEAR of losing the Money You should be Getting
FEAR of moving Slow
And get focused around these Fears that will drive you through Perfectionism and straight to the realization of your goals.
It’s a constant battle we all fight; do what Joe did and fight through it.
Scott Manning
President, Manning Methods
sj@manningmethods.com
Tags: indianapolis small business, Marketing
