The Stanley Cup of business

When hockey players are asked, many of them say they have dreamed of winning the Stanley Cup since they were little kids. They imagined themselves raising the cup and skating around the ice to the cheers of adoring fans—just like the Chicago Blackhawks players did recently. In sports, there is often one big trophy that represents the pinnacle of achievement. But what about in business?

Many entrepreneurs have the big goal of someday selling their businesses. They work every day with that in mind, trying to build revenue and other metrics that might entice a potential buyer. This singular goal allows for focus. Without it, there’s a tendency to lose that focus and become distracted by the many aspects of running a business.

Perhaps in your career or business you do not have one big trophy that keeps you working hard every day for weeks, months and years. Maybe it’s the sale of your business or a crowning industry accolade? Maybe it’s a family objective, a philanthropic goal, your legacy?

Whatever it may be for you, having single-mindedness in this age of distraction and attention-deficit disorder may be just what is needed to keep you firmly on the path to greatness.