In October 2022, I reflected on my entrepreneurial journey that began in 2016. What started as a modest coaching practice has now grown into a thriving business that has generated close to $1.5 million in the past three to four years, with our clients collectively earning over $2 million. Through the Driving Coach Business Show, I aim to help other coaches build successful businesses that create impact, provide freedom, and generate substantial income.
Understanding Imperfect Action
Before diving into the specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand what imperfect action truly means. It’s not about hustle culture or taking massive action without direction. Instead, imperfect action is about intentional, playful effort combined with a willingness to be messy. As Angela Duckworth explains in her book “Grit,” success comes from a formula where talent multiplied by effort creates skill, and skill multiplied by effort produces results.
The Five Ways Imperfect Action Drives Success
1. Excellence vs. Perfection
The first key distinction is understanding the difference between striving for excellence and pursuing perfection. While perfection can paralyze and kill dreams, excellence means doing things to the best of your ability and maintaining high standards. This doesn’t mean just taking blind action – it’s about taking intentional steps while maintaining quality.
2. Studying Your Craft
Excellence requires a commitment to mastery. Over the past six years, I’ve invested in learning from the world’s best coaches. This dedication to improvement, similar to great athletes like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Serena Williams, is essential for achieving exceptional results.
3. Commitment to Post-Analysis
Treating yourself as a “business athlete” means regularly analyzing your performance. After each significant activity, ask yourself three crucial questions:
- What went well?
- What can I do better?
- What can I change to be my best?
4. The Power of Priming
Getting into the right emotional state is crucial for taking action. Even experienced professionals sometimes get stuck in their heads, and proper priming can help overcome this mental barrier.
5. Showing Your Work and Being Bold
Success isn’t just about being good at what you do – it’s about letting people know about your capabilities. Without showing up and sharing your work, you risk becoming the “best-kept secret” in your industry. It’s essential to move beyond just consuming information and start creating experiences for others to engage with your work.
The Investment in Growth
A crucial aspect of my journey has been the willingness to invest in personal and professional development. With over $300,000 invested in coaching, mentoring, and business programs, I’ve learned that while consuming information is valuable, it must be balanced with active implementation and creation.
The Importance of Emotional State and Priming
Running multiple coaching programs with over 30-35 people in different group settings, along with several one-on-one clients, can be demanding. When faced with challenges like team members taking time off or increased responsibilities, it’s easy to get caught in your own head. This is where the power of priming becomes crucial.
Effective Priming Techniques
To tap into your creativity and maintain productivity, several priming techniques can be beneficial:
- Practice Gratitude: Take time to identify three to five things you’re grateful for. While gratitude is frequently discussed, its energy-shifting power is undeniable.
- Connect with Your Purpose: Whether your mission is grand or modest, connecting with it can provide powerful motivation.
- Focus on Individual Impact: As Brandon Burchard suggests, sometimes simply thinking about how your work might positively impact just one person can be enough to get you into the right state.
The Power of Purpose and Mission
Building a Meaningful Impact
My personal mission encompasses two main goals:
- Helping 10,000 orphans access quality education
- Supporting 10,000 coaches in building six-figure businesses and 1,000 coaches in creating seven-figure businesses
This isn’t just about generating wealth – we commit 10% of our earnings to charitable causes, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.
Starting Small
It’s important to note that you don’t need a grand mission to start. Your initial purpose might be as fundamental as providing for your family – which is equally noble, as “the definition of a hero is a protector of two.” The key is to connect with whatever drives you forward.
Final Recap: The Five Ways Imperfect Action Builds Success
- Excellence vs. Perfection: Understand the crucial difference between striving for excellence and being paralyzed by perfectionism
- Commit to Mastery: Dedicate yourself to continuously studying and improving your craft
- Review and Analyze: Implement regular post-analysis of your work and embrace feedback
- Prime Your State: Consciously prepare your emotional and mental state for optimal performance
- Show Your Work: Actively share and demonstrate your expertise instead of remaining hidden
Taking Action
The key to success lies in moving from theory to practice. Whether you’re aiming to increase your income, help more people, or create more freedom in your life, implementing these strategies consistently is crucial.
Remember, it’s not about the size of your audience or following – it’s about the impact you can make, even if it’s just on one person’s life. The focus should always be on creating value and serving others authentically.
Success in coaching or any business venture doesn’t come from perfect execution but from consistent, intentional action combined with a commitment to excellence. By implementing these five strategies and maintaining a focus on service and impact, you can build a successful business while making a meaningful difference in the world.
The journey to creating a million-dollar business isn’t about overnight success or taking massive action without direction. It’s about showing up consistently, being willing to be imperfect while striving for excellence, and maintaining a clear connection to your purpose and mission.
