The Core Six: Essentials for Steady Success

No matter where you're at - big business, small gig, personal hustle, or just life - we're all aiming for the win. Be it in relationships, health, family, or work.

Success? It boils down to six things: Clear vision, solid talent, the right resources, trust, time and keeping score. Miss one? You're rolling the dice. Sure, luck might swing by, but banking on it? Not a smart move. These six ? They're your playbook against leaving it to chance.

Let's break it down.

The vision, no fluffy, just clarity

WIthout a clear vision we feel like we’re wandering without a purpose, we stagnate. 

That's what life and work feel like without a vision. A vision isn't about grandiose dreams or eloquent words. It's your destination, plain and simple. It's where you want to end up.

So, why bother with a vision? First, it gives you direction. It's like a compass that ensures you don't drift aimlessly. Second, it's your fuel. When the going gets tough, remembering your end goal can reignite your drive. And if you're leading a team, a shared vision ensures everyone's rowing in the same direction.

Crafting a vision doesn't need to be a complex process. Start by dreaming, but stay grounded. What's the big, yet achievable, picture you're aiming for? Your personal values play a role here. Your vision should resonate with what truly matters to you. Once you have a rough idea, jot it down. Keep it concise—a sentence or two that captures the essence. And don't keep it to yourself. Sharing with a friend or colleague can offer fresh perspectives and refine your vision. Remember, it's okay for visions to evolve. As you grow, your destination might shift. Adjust as needed.

Once you've defined your vision, it's time to live it. It's the lens through which you view decisions and actions. Every step you take should move you closer to that destination. And if you ever feel off-track? Return to your vision. It's your anchor, your built-in GPS.

In the end, cut the fluff. Seek clarity. Know your destination, and start the journey. It's as straightforward as that.

Talent and Skill: The Real MVPs

Ever tried playing guitar without knowing a chord? That's trying to succeed without talent and skill. You can have the best game plan, but without the chops to execute, you're just making noise.

Here's the straight talk: Strategy is your map, but talent and skill are the vehicle that gets you to the destination. You can plot the best route, but without a working car, you're not going anywhere.

Now, let's flip it. No skills? That leads to messy execution. And bad execution is like a flat tire. It doesn't matter how great your strategy is; you're stuck on the side of the road. Execution isn't just about doing things; it's about doing things right. And for that, you need skill.

In the business world, we hear a lot about strategy. Big meetings, long discussions, fancy presentations. But here's a secret: Execution eats strategy for breakfast. And who's serving up that meal? People with talent and skill.

Building skills? It's no mystery. Practice, learn, repeat. Talent? That's the spark you start with. But skill? That's the flame you keep burning. It's the difference between having potential and realizing it.

Strategy's your blueprint, but talent and skill build the house. Want to succeed? Invest in skills, value talent, and prioritize execution. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the plan; it's about getting it done. And getting it done right. No fluff, just fact.

Resources: The Goldilocks Principle

Ever tried making coffee without water? That's gunning for success without resources. But here's the kicker: you don't need a waterfall, just enough to brew that cup.

Let's cut to the chase: Resources are your toolkit. Too few, and you're left scrambling. Too many, and you're drowning in options. Like Goldilocks, what you want is just right.

Now, think about having zilch. Zero resources? That's like trying to drive with an empty tank. It's frustrating, and you're not getting far. You need fuel, but not so much that you flood the engine.

On the flip side, an overflow of resources? It's a buffet where you overeat. Too many options can make you sluggish, indecisive. It's easy to get lost in the abundance and miss the goal.

Here's the deal: Being scrappy isn't about making do; it's about making moves. It's about having just enough to pivot, adapt, and charge forward. It's the sweet spot between empty-handed and overburdened.

So, how do you find that balance? Start lean. Assess what you've got, identify what you need, and ditch the excess. It's not about hoarding; it's about honing in on what truly matters.

Resources are your building blocks. Not too few, not too many, just right. Aim for that sweet spot where you've got enough to get going but not so much that you lose direction. Because success isn't about abundance; it's about precision. Keep it tight, keep it right. That's the game.

Trust, the Unsung Hero of Success

Ever driven with the handbrake on? That's micromanagement. And behind it? A lack of trust. Whether in business or life, if you're not trusting, you're not really moving.

Here's the deal: Trust is the silent workhorse behind any successful team. It's not flashy, but it gets the job done. When you trust, you're giving your team the green light. You're saying, "I believe you've got this." And guess what? They usually do.

Now, let's talk about when trust is missing. Everything becomes a check-in. Every decision, a discussion. It's like being stuck in a traffic jam of your own making. And the result? Frustration. For everyone. Micromanagement isn't just inefficient; it's a creativity drain. It tells your team, "I don't think you can handle this." And that's a surefire way to lose good people.

In life, it's the same game. Relationships thrive on trust. Without it, every chat is just small talk. Every interaction, surface-level. You miss out on the deep stuff, the real connections.

Building trust? It's straightforward. Let people do their jobs. They'll mess up sometimes. But that's okay. Mistakes are lessons in disguise. Instead of pointing fingers, use them as growth opportunities.

Trust is the foundation. Whether you're leading a team, starting a business, or just living life, trust is the key. It's not about watching every move. It's about stepping back and letting things happen. Trust more, micromanage less, and watch things take off. Simple as that.

Time: The Invisible Currency

Ever tried baking bread in a rush? That's chasing success without giving time its due. But here's the twist: letting it sit forever doesn't make it better. It's all about finding that sweet spot.

Let's get real: Time's the silent player on your team. Too little, and you're in a mad dash, cutting corners. Too much, and you're overthinking, second-guessing. What you want is a balanced clock.

Picture this: Racing against time? It's like trying to read a book in a dim room. Straining, squinting, missing the plot. You need light, but not a blinding flash.

Now, on the other end, endless time? It's like a never-ending song. You lose the rhythm, the essence. Too much time can make you complacent, taking the edge off that hunger to innovate.

Innovation thrives on trust and time. It's about having the space to think, experiment, fail, and bounce back. But it's also about deadlines that nudge you, reminding you to deliver.

So, how do you strike that balance? Set clear goals. Know what you're aiming for, then allocate time wisely. Respect it. It's not about racing or dragging; it's about pacing.

Time's your silent partner. Not too tight, not too loose, just right. It's the canvas on which innovation paints. Give it respect, give it thought, and watch magic unfold. Because in the game of success, time isn't just ticking; it's counting. Play it smart.

Accountability: The True North of Progress

Playing a game without keeping score is aiming for success without accountability. But here's the thing: If no one's counting, does it even matter?

Accountability is your silent motivator. Without it, you're in a cozy hammock, swaying with every breeze, going nowhere. It's the gentle push that says, "Hey, remember the goal?"

A team without accountability is like a band without a tune. Everyone's playing, but it's all noise, no melody. Without someone keeping the beat, you lose the rhythm.

An environment with zero accountability? It's a comfort zone, but not the good kind. It's where innovation goes to nap. It's where you find happy underperformers, content in their bubble, never pushing boundaries.

Here's the straight talk: Accountability isn't about pointing fingers. It's about pointing in the right direction. It's the compass that keeps you on track, the reminder that goals are meant to be reached, not just set.

So, how do you foster accountability? Set clear expectations. Know where the bar is and aim to raise it. Celebrate wins, learn from losses, but always, always keep score. It's not about blame; it's about aim.

Accountability is the backbone of innovation, the antidote to complacency. Embrace it, champion it, and watch the magic happen. Because in the race to success, accountability isn't just the track; it's the traction. Keep it real, keep it accountable. That's the ticket.

In the end, success isn't a solo act. It's a concert, with Vision setting the stage, Talent playing the lead, Resources and Time as the rhythm section, Trust harmonizing the melody, and Accountability keeping the beat. Get all six jamming together, and you've got more than a hit; you've got a legacy. Keep it simple, keep it synced, and let the music play. That's the real deal.

The insights I offer here are shaped by my years in the field, making them inherently subjective and influenced by my experiences. My views may evolve over time, and I'm open to that change. I'd greatly appreciate your feedback, thoughts, and questions to further refine my understanding. Please don't hesitate to connect.