Steve Kennedy is a successful entrepreneur and certified business coach who works with business owners and managers to achieve better results with less effort. For free small business resources and information go to: http://www.winningthegameofbusiness.com
"Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear"
- Anthony Robbins
Have you ever watched a football game (or any game for that matter) when one team is winning by a large margin, a blowout, but then the opposing team decides that they have nothing to lose? They throw caution to the wind and start playing with total abandon. By taking bigger chances and going for broke, the team starts to score quicker, taking bigger risks and getting better rewards. This team is playing to win. The other team, who was winning by such a large margin, changes its focus, trying to play cautiously and protect their lead. This is playing not to lose. By the final quarter, the team that is playing to win has caught up to the other team. What seemed impossible a few quarters earlier becomes a reality: they pull off a come-from-behind win.
How did this happen? Fear of losing can take one's eye off a desired goal.
Let me give you another example from my own experience. When I was just starting out in business I was very aggressive. I was willing to put everything I had on the line to succeed (mind you in those days, it was not much); nevertheless, it was all I had. For each new initiative, I would have to bet the farm on my ideas, and I never hesitated. I was always willing to use my house, my car, my time, anything I had for collateral on my ideas.
As I started to have more success and acquiring a comfortable lifestyle, however, I became less and less willing to risk it. Around 1997, we hit some bumps in the road with one of our major clients, and they decided to put our contract out to bid. I got nervous. If we lost this client, we would be in a vulnerable position. I decided to purchase another business that would potentially replace that income if we lost the major client.
The point to this story is this: I did not want to buy this other company, and I knew it was not a good idea. I was acting out of fear of losing, however, I did it anyway. Instead of focusing on how to win, I was focused on playing not to lose. In the end, that decision turned out to be one of my biggest mistakes. The company I purchased not only lost money for us, but it took three years and many resources away from focusing on what we really wanted.
I am not suggesting that you throw all caution to the wind. But when you approach a new decision, it might be worth asking yourself, "Are you playing to win or playing not to lose" When you're acting to prevent loss, it takes energy away from acting out of a place of good judgment and moving forward to win.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Creating a Successful Business Affiliate Program
- 10 Critical Elements of a Successful Business
- Obsessions Of Successful Businesses
- Creating a Successful Business Exit Strategy--adding the Sixth Step
- Five Don't That Will Help you Create a Successful Business
- Skills That Every Successful Business Owners Needs
- Advertise to Create a Successful Business
- Legitimate Internet Businesses: Get Successful Businesses Going as Marketing Affiliates
The Importance of Project Managers in the French Translation Process
By: Samir | 18/12/2009There are many translation businesses that specialize in the English to French translation and French to English translation, so you will want to research them carefully, check references, and ask about their project management procedure. A translation company needs a strict project management procedure to track jobs received from the clients and performed in-house or subcontracted, control storage of source documents, translated files, and company's data bases, eliminate technical mistakes
How to Motivate Employees
By: A.Noton | 18/12/2009Do you find your employees only doing a half-hearted job? Do you feel that job satisfaction is dropping in your business? If so, you are not alone. Many people report lack of motivation among their employees, and often wonder what to do about it. The good news is that you...
Why Use a Change Management Consultant?
By: Stephen Warrilow | 18/12/2009Why use a change management consultant? This is a very good question because unless you are very clear about exactly what sort of help you need I would just simply say don't...
How to Select an External Service Provider For Change Management?
By: Stephen Warrilow | 18/12/2009In my view, issuing a written "Request for proposal" to potential service providers and inviting submission of a written proposal followed by interviews of the selected few is a waste of time. It is not possible to do anything other than provide a generic "cut and paste" response to this type of enquiry...
The Current State of Change Management in the UK
By: Stephen Warrilow | 18/12/2009The current state of change management in the UK is currently reactive to issues that show up on the board's radar rather than driven by strategic intent and innovation. All the evidence shows that change programmes are frequently badly thought out, managing change in the workplace is poorly executed and many do not succeed in achieving their stated objectives. The responsibility for this lies predominantly with the directors and senior management...
What is monitored with CMMS Maintenance?
By: Ashley Combs | 18/12/2009Computerized Management Maintenance Systems (CMMS) can help your business reach it’s full potential. Make sure you select the right one for your business though. With work orders, inventory control, and asset management systems included in each package, select the right functionality and watch CMMS work for your business.
What do you need to Support your Business Technology?
By: Frank I Locust | 18/12/2009The technology that you used in the workplace has evolved from a convenience to a necessity. Every piece of innovation and technology is vital to the success of your company, but what happens if this technology fails? Make sure you are aware of all the technology support that you need by reading this post.
Protecting your business from phishing scams
By: Tom Swayer | 18/12/2009Internet security is important for all businesses. Protect your business by educating staff about the phishing scams through professional conferences such as the Marcus evans conferences.
How Values Make or Break Your Business
By: Stephen Kennedy | 05/11/2007 | BusinessDo you know the number one reason people leave their jobs? It is not because of money or the company dress policy.
Playing to Win is Different than Playing Not to Lose
By: Stephen Kennedy | 26/10/2007 | ManagementFear of losing can take one's eye off a desired result.
Bad News May Really Be Good News
By: Stephen Kennedy | 19/06/2007 | MotivationalThe next time you perceive something as really bad, try also to look for the gifts in disguise. It's all in the way you look at it.
What Do You Do When Storms Hit?
By: Stephen Kennedy | 12/05/2007 | MotivationalThe main lesson I am learning from all of this is that everything happens for a reason and I do not always have to know what is going to happen next. It won't kill me to just sit with the not knowing. It could even be fun!