10 Steps to
Breakthrough
Results
Introduction
“Breakthrough results!” Sounds cool, doesn’t it? Sexy, lucrative, attention-getting. And who doesn’t want that? But what ARE “breakthrough results”?
I define “breakthrough results” as the game-changers. The huge—not incremental—steps forward that can change your business, even your industry, and cause your competition to lose sleep.
This little book is like a Starter Kit for breakthrough results. Will it give you everything you need to know? Nope. But these 10 principles (and a bonus 11th!) will bring you into the world of those who routinely produce breakthrough results. Along the way, I’ve provided links to articles I’ve written that expand on some of these betrig principles. So, are you ready to produce breakthrough results?
Then let’s get started!
Part 1:
Achieving
breakthrough
results is really a two step process:
1. Coming up with the
breakthrough
idea (generation)
2. Putting the
breakthrough
idea into action
(implementation)
These first five tips will help you and your team generate
your next
breakthrough
idea.
1. Collect Dots
Creativity (which is where
breakthrough ideas begin) is really nothing more than connecting dots that haven’t yet been connected. It stands to reason, then, that the more dots you have, the more connections you can make. So collect dots: read books on a wide variety of topics, hang out with people who have different
backgrounds and beliefs, attend events you normally wouldn’t attend. And let the ideas flow.
2. Find a wacky neighbor
You’re not likely to produce that breakthrough idea if you surround yourself with people who see the world the same way you do. You need to find someone who looks at things differently—a wacky neighbor, if you will. And here’s a tip: you’re probably going to find your wacky neighbor outside of your own industry. So find your wacky neighbor—they just might be the key to your million dollar breakthrough idea!
3. Take a shower
It’s amazing how often people
say they come up with their
best ideas in the shower! And
it’s true. There are a number
of reasons why taking a
shower can help you generate
breakthrough ideas that just
don’t seem to come to you
anyplace else. So take a
shower. You’ll get great ideas,
and you’ll get clean!
4. Go for a walk…or a flight
One of the best ways to break your routine patterns of thinking is to change your location.
Whether it’s a walk in a park, a stroll around the block, or a two-week vacation in Italy, getting out of your normal physical
space forces your brain to break its normal patterns. And that’s when the breakthrough ideas are most likely to happen!
5. Ask a different question
Sometimes the breakthrough answer appears when you ask a different question. When you’re looking at a problem or
challenge, rather than asking the obvious question, try backing off a bit and see if there’s a better question lurking behind the obvious question. Asking a
different question re-frames the situation, and can lead to a
Part 2:
Congratulations! You now have a great,
breakthrough
idea! But here’s the bad news:
Your
breakthrough
idea is useless—until you put it
into action.
These next five tips will help you turn your
6. Break it down
Sometimes the sheer scope of your breakthrough idea can be
overwhelming. That’s when you need to start at the finish point and then break it down into a step-by-step action plan. Ask yourself (for example), “If December 31st is the finish point, where do I have to be on December 15th? On November 30th?” and so on. The more you break it down, the easier each individual step will be to
7. Live out of your
calendar (not your Inbox)
In order to produce
breakthrough results, YOU
have to be the one in control
of your time, energy, and
resources. And you can’t do
that if you’re living through
other people’s agenda (i.e.,
out of your Inbox). Instead,
put what YOU need to do on
YOUR calendar, and make
THAT your daily guide.
8. Expect setbacks
People who produce
breakthrough results almost invariably encounter setbacks. True achievers know this. So, rather than let these setbacks stop you in your tracks, be ready for them. Know that they’re going to show up, and that they’re
simply part of the process. With this mindset, you can overcome the setbacks rather than having them overcome you.
9. Plan short-term wins
Breakthrough results are often a product of momentum, and momentum requires energy. One way to keep your energy— and your momentum—up is to proactively plan some wins, some milestone victories, that happen BEFORE you achieve the ultimate goal. These wins will act as little “pick-me-ups” that keep you going for the long run.
10. Celebrate successes
Congratulations! You’ve achieved your goal. You’ve produced your breakthrough result. Now it’s time to
celebrate! Too many leaders forget this step, but it’s
important. Give yourself, and your team, a reward
(commensurate with the
achievement). Make celebration a priority, not an afterthought.
11. Plan your next
breakthrough
You’ve produced a
breakthrough result, and
you’ve celebrated your
success. So what’s next?
Where will you find your next
breakthrough? Real
breakthrough performers
don’t rest on their laurels. You
know the process, and you’ve
produced a great result. Now
it’s time to do it again!
Want More Help?
I help extraordinary leaders produce breakthrough results. I do this onsite (keynotes,
workshops, etc.), online
(webinars, teleseminars), or through a blend of both.
To see how I can help you and your team produce breakthrough
results, please contact Jeff
Jacob at Jeff@BillStainton.com, or call 877-762-3195.