6 Steps to Transform Your Business Performance

Imagine your business as a car revving its engine in neutral—no matter how hard you push, you’re not going anywhere. The key to breaking free from this stagnation isn't working harder but shifting gears.

In this article, we will delve into a six-step process that has empowered over 300 entrepreneurs that we’ve helped to elevate their businesses to new heights. This method isn't industry-specific; it’s grounded in psychological principles that drive peak executive performance.

From Stuck to Scaling: 6 Steps to Transform Your Business Performance

There are two paths to scaling your business.

The first is the conventional approach used by average entrepreneurs, working tirelessly without focusing on performance. They grind, hustle, and attempt to do everything, hoping that something will stick. While this method can yield results, it often takes far longer than necessary and leads to exhaustion and burnout.

In fact, eight out of ten businesses don’t survive the first five years. It’s not a matter of working hard enough or lacking talent. The real issue is burnout—stemming from doing too many unnecessary tasks that drain your energy.

The second path is the elite entrepreneur approach. This method is fundamentally different. It involves understanding what truly drives achievement, leveraging every decision to maximize impact, and priming yourself spiritually, psychologically, and neurologically to perform at your best every single day.

This six-step elite performance strategy is designed to make a significant and positive impact on your success:

Step 1: Craft a Clear-Cut Vision for Your Business and Life

You’ve likely heard this advice before: ‘have a clear vision’. You might not have fully embraced it because it often gets treated as just another cliché in entrepreneurial advice. However, when executed correctly, this step unlocks a whole new level of functioning.

A clear and compelling vision isn’t just a motivational slogan; it’s the gateway to peak performance. Without a solid understanding of why you’re pushing forward and where you’re headed, reaching your full potential becomes nearly impossible. Start by asking yourself, "Why do I do what I do?" and "What is the ultimate destination I am striving for?" This vision should be more than a statement on paper—it should ignite a fire within you.

Your vision must be congruent with both your business goals and your personal growth. There should be no friction between where your business is headed and the kind of leader you need to be. Imagine the most elite version of yourself and commit to building the habits and behaviors that align with that vision.

Having this vision that aligns with your personal and professional goals helps you access intrinsic motivation. It turns your daily grind into a meaningful journey. Research shows that intrinsic motivation drives higher levels of achievement and satisfaction. So, spend time defining a vision that is both ambitious and consistent with your growth. It’s about understanding the sacrifices needed and embracing the person you need to become to achieve that vision.

Step 2: Master the Art of Prioritization with a Clear 90-Day Goal

Step two is all about understanding the power of focus. As an entrepreneur, you’re likely pulled in countless directions, trying to juggle numerous tasks. The key challenge here is choosing what to commit to. The average entrepreneur is scattered, attempting to tackle too many priorities at once, which ultimately leads to none being effectively managed. If you’re crystal clear on your vision but unsure of your next move, progress will stall.

The framework I recommend is setting a clear 90-day goal. While long-term goals—like five-year or three-year plans—are common, they often fall short in today’s fast-paced world. With rapid advancements in technology and shifts in business dynamics, what worked three months ago might not apply today. This 90-day time-frame allows you to adapt quickly and make meaningful progress without getting lost in the shuffle of endless tasks.

Select one key priority that aligns perfectly with your vision. This priority should be something you absolutely need to achieve within the next three months. Creating this goal requires discipline because as an entrepreneur there’s often a natural curiosity and a tendency to explore multiple avenues. However, this exercise in prioritization is crucial for gaining traction and moving forward effectively.

Step 3: Craft Your Perfect Week System

The third level of this framework is developing a clear vision of your ideal week. This means breaking down your 90-day goal into twelve weekly sub-systems, where each week has a specific focus. By knowing exactly what needs to be accomplished every day, you ensure that you're consistently progressing towards your quarterly objectives. The more regular and structured they are, the easier it becomes to follow through on your commitments and move towards your goal.

Creating a perfect week system involves defining a weekly schedule that aligns with your priorities and personal capacity. As a CEO, founder, or entrepreneur, it's essential to establish this system not just for yourself but for every member of your team. This approach helps everyone understand their roles and responsibilities, ensuring that every action taken supports the overarching goals. We highly recommend and train our clients to implement this system, ensuring that each team member is clear on their tasks.

With that said, flexibility is crucial. While your ideal week should be structured, don’t lock yourself into an overly rigid plan. Life happens, and things will come up. However, if you map out at least 80% of your time in advance, you’ll stay in control and make sure you’re moving forward, even when the unexpected arises.

Step 4: Increase Your Productivity with Ring Fencing

Ring fencing is a productivity technique I invented that involves working in focused 90-minute intervals. This approach has dramatically increased the productivity of my clients, often resulting in a threefold increase in their business outcomes. I developed ring fencing after realizing that the Pomodoro Technique—25 minutes of focus followed by a 5-minute break—was inadequate. The brain needs more time to reach a deep state of focus, and frequent interruptions only hinder that process.

Ring fencing capitalizes on our natural energy rhythms, similar to how REM cycles work at night. Our daily energy levels fluctuate roughly every 90 minutes due to circadian rhythms, making it impossible to maintain high energy beyond that period. The system involves working in uninterrupted 90-minute sessions, each dedicated to a single clear objective—whether it’s writing a sales letter, recording videos, or negotiating a deal. During these sessions, you focus solely on one task without distractions.

After each 90-minute work block, take a 20 to 30-minute break. This recovery period allows your brain to rest and activate its natural healing processes, ensuring you return to work rejuvenated and ready for the next session. Structuring your day with these 90-minute focused intervals and recovery periods will enable you to achieve far more than with traditional methods.

Step 5: Embrace The Power of Feedback

Step number five is all about feedback, a cornerstone of elite performance. Just like top athletes analyze their game footage to pinpoint areas for improvement, you need to review your performance to get better every day. Whether it’s Navy SEALs, astronauts, or firefighters, those at the top of their fields are constantly evaluating their efforts to enhance their skills. If you’re aiming for business excellence, adopting this practice is crucial.

Start by reviewing each 90-minute ring fencing session. Each session has a specific objective—ask yourself if you achieved it. If you did, great; if not, make adjustments. This process of deliberate practice is about pushing yourself slightly beyond your current capabilities to accelerate improvement. It’s a continuous cycle of refinement and growth.

At the end of the day, conduct an after-action review, a technique borrowed from special forces. Reflect on your wins, lessons learned, and what you’re grateful for. Combine this daily review with the insights from each ring-fencing session to understand your progress and identify areas for enhancement. This strategic feedback loop will rapidly elevate your performance and drive substantial growth.

Remember, becoming 1% better every day can result in significant improvements over time.

Step 6: Optimize Your Environment

Your environment plays a critical role in your productivity and success. Designing a workspace that minimizes distractions and supports your goals is essential. Consider who you surround yourself with and what resources you have at your disposal.

Rearchitect your environment to reinforce your peak performance. This might involve setting boundaries with colleagues, eliminating unnecessary distractions, or creating a workspace that fosters focus and creativity. The idea is to make your environment work for you, not against you.

Ready to Shift Gears and Scale Your Business?

If you implement these six steps, you'll shift from merely revving your engine to changing gears, propelling yourself to the next level.

In business, these strategies are just a small part of what we offer our clients. If you're ready to elevate your success and continue scaling up, schedule a call with us. You're going to love the transformation.

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