In my work with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and executive leaders, I’ve found that one of the biggest challenges is carving out TIME FOR DEEP WORK ON BIG DREAMS amidst busy schedules.

These leaders excel at getting things done, but creating transformational change and pursuing visionary goals requires DEDICATED TIME. Without commitment and GREAT INTENTIONALITY, the “busy work” will overshadow those big dreams.

Steve Jobs once said: “I’m as proud of many of the things we HAVEN’T done as the things we have done. INNOVATION IS SAYING NO TO A THOUSAND THINGS.”

3 STEPS TO TURN YOUR GOALS INTO REALITY

1. PRIORITIZE YOUR DEEP WORK

Cal Newport, in Deep Work, emphasizes that real progress comes from FOCUSED WORK ON HIGH-IMPACT TASKS. This kind of focus requires deliberate action.

AMBERLY LAGO, in response to my post earlier this week, shared how she locked herself in her office, away from distractions, to finish her new book manuscript. A great example of taking control and REMOVING DISTRACTIONS to make sure big dreams happen.

• Block specific hours for high-impact tasks and protect that time fiercely.

• Notify your team so they know when you’re working deep hours.

“Clarity about what matters provides clarity about what does not.” — Cal Newport

2. TREAT YOUR BIG GOALS LIKE NON-NEGOTIABLES

You wouldn’t cancel a meeting with a top client, so DON’T CANCEL ON YOURSELF. Schedule time for big goals.

• Turn off notifications, emails, and anything that distracts.

• Commit to deadlines—Break your goals into steps and assign timelines.

“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.” — Leonard Bernstein

3. TAKE ACTION WITH TIME BLOCKING

Even the biggest goals are achieved one step at a time. If you wait for the “perfect time,” they’ll never get done. SCHEDULE THE TIME, PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR, and BOOK IT WEEKLY until you complete it.

• Time blocking—Schedule focused time for big audacious goals.

• Put it on your calendar—Book the time, just like any important meeting.

“You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.” — Charles Buxton

CALL TO ACTION:

Success doesn’t come from talking about goals—it comes from taking action. BLOCK TIME ON YOUR CALENDAR THIS WEEK.

TRY just one of THESE STRATEGIES and share how it’s helped you take a step toward turning one of your big goals into a reality.