Bricklayer or Cathedral Architect?

One of the toughest things about running a business is performing exceptionally well in both of the areas that matter most:  execution and vision.

The key is balance.

The way I like to think of this is to imagine that you are building a physical structure.

You want your business to become a grand cathedral. Have a vision of its ultimate state.  Be committed passionately to achieving that vision…to building the cathedral.

But, you have a small team….so you must also lay bricks in order to achieve anything.  You must do the work, AND maintain the vision.  This is difficult.

So……

1. Surround yourself with people that understand and appreciate your vision, and who want you to succeed in building your cathedral.
2. Take the time before each day starts to step back 50 yards and honestly assess your building.   Visualize its completed glory, and commit yourself to laying the bricks that will help get you there for the rest of the day.
3. Take the time after each day ends to enjoy your progress for the day.  Check your craftsmanship.   Look for potential problems.
4. Visualize your cathedral every night before you go to sleep.  Make its existence inevitable in your mind.
5. When you find yourself straying from your cathedral vision, stop.  Don’t lay another brick.  Speak to the people that know your vision and who will support you.  Force yourself to imagine its completed glory until it is all you can think about.

Always lay the next brick with a passionate commitment to the cathedral in your mind.

Win.

p.s.  This is  part of my pitch to every entrepreneur:  I will keep you focused on your cathedral…. no matter what.