Success: Is it about the Journey or the Destination?

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it’s the courage to continue that counts”

– Winston Churchill

When it comes to achieving success, we often hear about the importance of setting goals and creating a clear vision. But is defining your destination enough to guarantee success? Let’s dive deeper into what success really means, and how the journey plays an equally critical role—whether you're aiming for Olympic gold or building a thriving business with the support of your local Nelson accountants.

The Destination: Setting Goals and Visions

In both sport and business, success is often tied to achieving a specific goal. Let’s take a sporting analogy: winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games. Success, in this case, is straightforward—earning that medal. To get there, an athlete might set intermediate goals, such as placing in the top 10 in a major competition three years before the Olympics, followed by a podium finish in the World Championships.

Similarly, for small business accounting, having a clear vision for your business—whether it’s reaching a $5 million turnover or achieving high customer satisfaction—gives your team direction. Breaking that vision into smaller, measurable goals ensures progress.

If you've already set your vision and broken it down into actionable goals, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re on the right track. But what happens when you don’t achieve the ultimate goal?

When the Outcome Falls Short

Let’s say the Olympian wins a bronze medal instead of gold. Does that mean they’ve failed? Or imagine your business aims for $5 million in revenue but reaches $3.8 million instead. Does that make your efforts unsuccessful?

Absolutely not.

Far too often, success is defined solely by the destination, ignoring the incredible progress and achievements made along the way. Many small business owners grind away, working long hours and sacrificing personal well-being in the hope of reaching a “nirvana” version of success.

But what if we redefined success to focus more on the journey?

The Journey: A New Definition of Success

For small business owners, success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the experience along the way. We encourage our clients to reflect on the journey - what work parameters have you established? Are you celebrating the wins along the way?

Consider this:

• Work-life balance: Are you setting healthy boundaries?

• Customer relationships: Have you built meaningful connections with your clients?

• Team satisfaction: Is your team thriving and engaged?

In sport, even a bronze medal comes with achievements like personal bests, peak fitness, and lifelong memories. Similarly, in business, milestones like a satisfied customer, improved workflows, or a new partnership deserve to be celebrated.

Celebrate the Small Wins

By focusing on the journey, you not only make the process more enjoyable but also set yourself up for greater long-term success. When you celebrate small wins, you build momentum that brings you closer to your ultimate destination.

We understand the challenges small business owners face. As trusted Nelson accountants, we specialise in small business accounting and offer support to help you navigate both the financial and strategic aspects of your journey.

Success Is a Process

Remember, success isn’t final, and failure isn’t fatal. It’s about the courage to continue and adapt along the way. Define success not just by your destination, but by the journey you take, the lives you impact, and the progress you make.

If you’re a small business owner looking for guidance on managing your finances and setting achievable goals, we are here to help. Let’s talk!