Episode 73: The Crucial Step of Executing the Plan

In this episode, Sam examines the third element of Strategic Planning and explains why Execution is arguably the most crucial of the three phases.  With the Strategy and Plan put in place, Sam talks the listener through the steps to complete this final phase in order to drive optimal results.

“A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week”. This quote by General George Patton of the US military reinforces Sam’s point that it’s better to execute a plan sooner, even though it may not be perfect, rather than to continue to delay. Sam examines the reasons why it’s uncomfortable to get a plan underway and offers some suggestions on how to mitigate these issues and move forward.

By sharing her own experiences, Sam looks at why Execution is key and provides three clear steps to overcome obstacles and move closer to pre-determined goals. Acknowledging that changes in behavior are often required to achieve superior outcomes, Sam provides a simple and often humorous guide to changing habits and maintaining accountability.  

What we cover in this episode

●      The three elements of Execution

●      Why Execution can be difficult

●      What is accountability

●      Tips on how to maintain accountability

●      What makes a good accountability partner

●      What to do when it’s not going to plan

Quotes

“Execution is the key … it does not need to be perfectly executed, any kind of execution is perfect”.

“Plans aren’t static, and the goal might be, but as we go on things happen … that will move the trajectory away from the goal. We need to be constantly adjusting”

“Execution is very hard because it’s uncomfortable and if it’s not uncomfortable, you’re probably not going towards the goals that you want”

“Execution requires behavior change, and that’s hard”

“If you are finding yourself not doing something, don’t beat yourself up, spend some time thinking about why’s that’s happening”

“Start small, sometimes it’s not fear, it’s not a gap in knowledge, you just started a little bit too big. Adjust that plan, adjust that plan, adjust that plan.” 

Links mentioned

Atomic Habits by James Clear

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