TOP UK LEADERSHIP EXPERT ON WHY THE STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH IS THE FASTEST ROUTE TO SUCCESS
SIMPLE and smart choices, taken via a step-by-step approach, help provide the fastest pathway to success.
That’s the view of one of the UK’s top leadership experts who is now sharing his advice and insight in a new book.
Drew Povey, who has worked with sports stars including ex-England manager Gareth Southgate, details his tips on how to overcome difficulties in the pages of When The Clouds Come.
And Drew says his best advice revolves around ‘step by step’ approach, a method used by top sports teams as well as successful entrepreneurs.
Drew explained: “The approach can be applied to any situation whether it’s a new business idea or becoming more productive in your daily life.
“The step-by-step approach is simply breaking something down into manageable chunks to stop us becoming overwhelmed,” says Drew.
“We all like to achieve things, and we don’t like to fail. If we stand at the bottom of a mountain, it looks massive. But if we think, ‘I’ll reach that level’ then all of a sudden taking that first step is very achievable.
“It isn’t designed to help you reach your target quicker, but I believe you’re more likely to reach your target because of it. It plays into our basic human nature.
“By taking a step-by-step approach, we can make simple, smart choices which over time compound and deliver that big success.
“After all, it’s the little things in life which make that big difference to us. We can buy a big house or get fancy cars but often it’s spending time with our children or with loved ones – things which cost nothing – that bring us the most joy.
“We know from research that the feeling comes later, so get the win and then get the feeling.
“Too many people want to get the buzz before the success which isn’t how it works.”
Drew says little changes to your daily routine can make a huge difference.
“I always make my bed in the morning,” he said. “It’s such a simple thing but it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Follow that up with going for a walk or to the gym, and you’re starting the day with two successes, driving you on to achieve more.
“But if it were that easy, we’d all be doing it, right? The biggest hurdle to succeeding using this approach is our desire for instant gratification.
“The Americans call it the ‘microwave mentality’. A jacket potato takes five minutes in the microwave so we can have it on a plate ready to eat in no time. But we all know that the best jacket potatoes need to be cooked for longer in the oven.
“If we can overcome that hurdle, we can avoid both the poorly cooked potato and the half-baked plans.
“But if something is going to take longer to work, you might put it off or avoid it altogether.”
Outlining how he helps others to succeed he continued: “To succeed at the big things, you need to remove this need for instant reward and be methodical and thorough.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you’ve got to start to be great, and it’s those small steps that really matter.
“One of the best places to see this approach in action is in sport where we talk about people building a game.
“I don’t look at a football match in one 90-minute chunk, I look at the first three minutes and aim to get some wins in. A good pass, marking my player, a good tackle and I’m getting those little wins which help to build momentum.
“But those small wins compound over time so by making the smart choices, you have a team working together and concentrating on doing the best thing in that moment. This is how great teams operate: they break things down into small wins and build up towards the overall goal – to win the match.
“Is there an exception to the rule? The ‘once in a lifetime’ leap of faith?
“I would argue that when you’re standing at the open door of a plane with your parachute on, ready to jump, you still need to have done all the prep.
“Real success comes when the opportunity meets the preparation and all those little steps you’ve taken can build up to that moment.
“I don’t believe it’s wise to take a big leap if you’ve not got the small things in place.”
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