Execution trumps all

"Vision without execution is delusion" -—Thomas A. Edison

Do you have a big idea? A crazy dream? A grand plan? Well, what's stopping you from bringing it to life?

Are you stalled in planning or are you, like most of us, lacking the push towards execution?

Entrepreneurs will tell you that ideas are a dime a dozen.

Even if you think you have the next million-dollar idea, the reality is that not only has someone else probably also thought of it, but they're probably already working on it too.

So what is the difference between good ideas and great businesses? 

I've had to ask myself this question as I'm finally attempting to realize my entrepreneurial dream by taking a leap and going out on my own.

It's through this challenge that I've realized successful execution comes down to a combination of three simple things we can all do, but too often don't implement.

Get gritty

Grit for me means sacrifice in the most difficult times in your life, it means doubling down when things get tough and it means pushing forward even when you feel like quitting.

This month, I've declined fun nights with friends and many awesome summer days so I can move my life forward.

I know these things will always be around, but if I don't sacrifice now then I'll never move my life forward. If you’ve decided on a goal, don’t be distracted or discouraged.

I think this is a deal breaker for most people. They want the dream life. but they are unwilling to make the sacrifices to get there.

They play the short game of fun-now-and-work-later and it costs them every single time.

Have hustle

The idea of an over overnight success is definitely appealing. But the reality is building a business from nothing is hard work. Successful businesses are created on the sweat equity of their founders.

I keep hearing that if I’m not willing to work 12 hour days, seven days a week or commit 100 per cent of myself into making my business a success, then it won't happen.

With this ideal in mind, I find myself investing hours into research, marketing, sales, strategy, structure, finances, etc.

Success will be cultivated by an unwavering commitment to keep learning, working, and doing.

Believe blindly in yourself

It’s not easy to have unwavering resolve. This is the toughest thing I've had to endure in trying to get my business off the ground.

Haters will tell you things are risky, to stick with what you know, and that you’re wasting your time.

That’s because they can’t imagine stepping outside of their own comfort zones to strive to be great.

Don’t listen.

To be successful, I’ve had to ignore the insecure naysayers and surround myself with more positive, like-minded people who are also willing to believe. And when doubt starts to creep in, I’ve got a good team to help squish it.

Don't talk about it, be about it

They say you can achieve anything you put your mind to, but what they don't say is that your mind is not enough.

Whether you want to build a million-dollar business, fly into space, or run across the country, you can do it if you are able to maintain a commitment to execution.

If your big ideas mean enough and if you want something bad enough, dig in and pull out the grit, hustle, belief—then act. 

Dream big, but execute bigger, and the possibilities of what you can do will be endless. 

Follow my entrepreneurial journey at ScaleMyLife.com as I interview 20 entrepreneurs in 20 days.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.