6 Business Lessons from Abraham Lincoln
Seem as though it is Lincoln’s Birthday coming on February 12, I thought I would take a sample of some of my favorite quotes of his and apply them as business lessons for entrepreneurs.
Politics aside, there is much truth in these words that you could apply to many areas of your life and not just your business.
1. Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.
This is so applicable to all of us. We get so fired up to take on our new venture or jump onto the latest social media bandwagon after seeing others having much success, that we forget to plan and equip ourselves with the best tools for the job.
Enthusiasm is great, but it is essential to understand fully your ideal target audience, what they like, what their problems are, what they need, what their goals are, what their pains are etc.
If you spend some time researching and understanding your audience first, your business will be a lot more successful at launch. Don’t let fear and impulsiveness determine the timeline for your venture.
2. The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.
There is no use worrying about tomorrow and spending all your time planning without actually executing today.
Doubt, worry, fear and self-doubt can stop us from moving forward today, as we strive for every condition to be perfect prior to launch. You have to take the first step forward at some stage.
At the same time, when you take that step, by all means keep glancing at the future but focus on today and executing today. Take one step at a time and give your best today.
3. Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.
As in life, business is filled with so many up’s and down’s and we can really feel as though we are getting a good kicking when we are down.
But that desire within us to succeed is the greatest driving force that will keep us moving forward. We will need to change and adapt like a chameleon in order to succeed in the long run and that desire to succeed is a critical ingredient for our success.
4. You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.
You have an appointment with life today. Take care of what you need to, right now. By focusing on this present moment and day, you will keep moving forward towards what is required of you tomorrow.
Today is the “oneday” that is now here.
If you’re concerned about an event coming in the future, that is fine, but sitting worrying and stressing about it won’t help at all. What will help though is you taking positive action today.
5. Whatever you are, be a good one.
Be the best you can be and you will make a massive difference to your business. When you give your full attention and abilities your client’s first, your business will grow exponentially.
No matter how insignificant the task or your job, just pitch up and make a commitment to be the best you can be for that day / task.
Not only will you feel fantastic, but so will your client. That applies equally to those at the bottom and the top of the company ladder.
6. Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition.
Having the desire to succeed or be the best are great goals to have, but we should never get down on our ourselves if we are not where we want to be from the outset!
It takes time, discipline, persistence, consistency and giving your best for your clients that will ultimately gain you recognition.
Too often, we don’t enjoy the journey of being an entrepreneur and focus too much on the “when”.
When this happens, I will happy…
When that happens it will be so much better… etc.
Focus on giving your best to your clients right now, without expecting recognition or applause and you will feel comfort that you are giving your best (and I don’t mean working for free either) and worthy of your brand’s core values.
