It happens all the time: leaders set a bold vision—growth, expansion, transformation—but then get stuck. Not because the vision is flawed, but because the follow-through falls short. For instance, maybe they talk about building a top-tier sales team. However, instead of hiring an experienced sales leader, they ask an already overextended operations manager to “pitch in” on sales. Or they want to scale the business, but delay upgrading their tech stack because the current system “still works.” This is nudging the needle, not actually moving it—so the needle doesn’t stay shifted for long.
If you’re serious about growth, half-measures won’t cut it. Growth takes real decisions—sometimes uncomfortable ones. It might mean spending money you’d rather not, letting go of tasks you’ve always controlled, or hiring someone who’s better at something than you are. Change is messy. But without it, your bold vision will slowly erode into something smaller, safer, and ultimately stagnant.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Not deciding is still a decision. When you choose not to act—when you postpone, downplay, or settle—you’re actively deciding to stay where you are. You’re choosing the status quo over the stretch. And, over time, such choices will undermine your business.
So what can you do?
- Acknowledge the fear—but don’t be ruled by it. Growth is scary. It involves letting go. But fear is a terrible strategist.
- Recognize inaction as a decision. Saying “no” to an investment or change is still a decision. Own it, and ask: Is my choice taking me closer to my goal, or farther away?
- Try, test, adjust. You don’t have to “bet the farm.” Make a move. Learn from it. Course-correct. Forward momentum matters more than flawless execution.
- Commit to discomfort. If your goal is worth it, then the messiness of change is part of the journey. Lean into it, not away.
Moving the needle takes more than intention: it takes courage, clarity, and commitment. It means making the decisions your vision demands, even when they are outside your comfort zone.
So if you’re feeling stuck, don’t settle for nudging the needle. Be honest about what’s holding you back, then give that needle a shove—decisively and purposefully, even if imperfectly. Progress comes when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and start acting on what your goals truly require.