Business owners across the US agree that having a clear vision and concise goals is key to success and growth. In an exclusive interview, Jerren and Tema-Lynn Bermudez reveal how they achieved the ultimate work-life balance while owning multiple restaurants, having a career, having a solid marriage, and parenting four younglings. But, of course, success comes with sacrifices! How do the Bermudez do it?
According to Jerren, “the basics are having faith and A LOT of it! A positive, champion-like mindset is critical! Then, plan - plan - plan, AND show up! No matter what, show up! Creating mindful, healthy habits and committing to them is a great starting point for anyone. Having a clear vision of where you want to get to is essential; you align every goal with that vision.”
Furthermore, Jerren states, "biblically speaking, we should be planners with goals, but not too far into the future. They should be actionable tasks to keep us productive whether it's about work, physical, spiritual, mental, financial, etc. Nothing works without goals. No one just gets rich; no one just gets healthy; no one just gets in a great relationship. Very rarely does that happen effortlessly. When brainstorming goals, differentiate them! You have to have business goals such as cost, people, growth, quality, etc... But make sure you have some personal goals, like physical, food, spiritual, financial, etc... That's important. It enables you to pay attention to important categories and keeps you from overdoing it.”
Jerren advises that you “don't set easy goals, and don't set many of them, either. Don't lie to yourself that you can achieve the unachievable, be realistic with yourself! If you are reluctant to write down your goals, it simply means that you don't want to be held accountable for what you have to do to make it happen! The truth is, people in general, do not want to be held accountable, whatever that may be.”
Jerren and Tema-Lynn both agree that you should use a system like the SMART-EST goal-setting framework to map out your goals into actionable milestones. A formal system enables you to plan to "give-and-take" while making plans around the essential things that should be achievable within any given year. If you are a visual person, make a vision board to keep you inspired for the work well done.
Tema-Lynn adds that “ having a goal-setting framework is priceless. Having a system to focus me in the midst of crazy busy days helps me not to forget something or go beyond what is possible to achieve at a given time. Without a system, I would not be able to get anything done; I would be all over the place!"
Jerren emphasizes “remember to not only write out your goals but to plan them out into actionable tasks. If a goal is not written down, consider it unachieved. Furthermore, it's not a race; it's a marathon! Walk alongside other like-minded people to help hold you accountable to the goals you've set.”
Jerren agrees that a better strategy is to work with others to set goals; it will help everyone be realistic, ensuring that their goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound, economic, strategic, and tactical. Most importantly, collaboration ensures you write down your goals and set the PACE to achieve them. (Subscribe and follow Strategic Consultant as we go deeper into setting the PACE in our business planning and goal setting process.)
Jerren adds “remember not to fall into the false belief of "all-or-nothing"; that's just discouraging and gets you to abandon your goals versus rethinking them into smaller, more actionable goals. If you are struggling, don’t hesitate! Pick up the phone and call your accountability buddy or mentor! We all have weak moments during which most give up, but champions tap into their "system" to overcome each weakness and uncertainty!”
Finally, Tema-Lynn says “honesty is the magic sauce! Jerren and I have been successful in business, marriage, and raising our children because we are honest with each other and the people we walk with. Sometimes that honesty forces us to pause, cuddle, rebalance, and pick back up recharged; other times, we have to rethink our path. But, ultimately, we are equal partners with very specific roles in everything we do, and we treat each other with respect no matter what!"
Remember to take baby steps, and reward yourself for achieving significant milestones!
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