Let’s be honest: strategic plans are often seen as exercises in futility. You spend countless hours in meetings, crafting detailed plans filled with flowcharts, action items, and lofty goals, only to watch them gather dust in a drawer. Sound familiar?
If you’re a leader in a non-profit or small business, the barriers to actually executing a vision are real—and they’re holding you back from achieving what’s possible in 2025.
At mkw+co, I understand the struggles. It’s lonely at the top, and finding the time—or the energy—to craft and execute a meaningful vision can feel impossible. But here’s the truth: when done right, your vision can become a powerful tool for focus, growth, and success.
Let’s tackle some common barriers and explore how you can move past them.
Barrier 1: “I’m Too Far in the Weeds to Even Think About a Strategic Plan.”
Does your to-do list feel like it’s attacking you? Leaders often get so caught up in the day-to-day that stepping back to think big picture feels like a luxury they can’t afford. But here’s the thing: if you’re always in the weeds, your organization is likely growing without direction—or not growing at all.
Solution:
Block time to reflect, even if it’s just a couple of hours. A focused session with an executive coach can help you quickly identify where your time and resources are best spent. At mkw+co, our executive coaching is designed to help you make sense of the chaos and create actionable, bite-sized steps you can implement immediately.
Barrier 2: “I Don’t Have Time for Vision-Setting or Coaching.”
The irony? The leaders who feel they don’t have time for strategic planning or coaching are often the ones who need it most. Without a clear vision, it’s easy to waste precious time chasing distractions or saying “yes” to initiatives that don’t align with your goals.
Solution:
Think of vision-setting and coaching as investments in your organization’s future. When I headed up the Boone EDC, our team actively used our strategic plan to raise over $1 million and stay laser-focused on initiatives that aligned with their goals. The key? We built a plan that worked for the organization, not the other way around.
Barrier 3: “It’s Just Another Plan That Will Sit in a Drawer.”
This mindset is common, especially if past experiences with planning didn’t produce results. But the problem isn’t the planning—it’s the lack of execution and accountability.
Solution:
The right strategic plan isn’t just a document—it’s a guide that empowers you to make decisions with confidence. At mkw+co, I don’t just help you create a plan; I work with you to ensure it’s actionable and regularly reviewed.
A Personal Story: When Vision Meets Action
A few years ago, I hired my own coach, Halle, to help me break through barriers I’d unknowingly set for myself. Halle helped me craft a vision—not just for my business, but for my family and personal life. For the first time, I had clarity on what I truly wanted to achieve. The result? I stopped spinning my wheels and started moving forward with purpose. (Which is why I’m here today!)
What’s Next for You?
2025 is the perfect time to reimagine what’s possible for your organization. With strategic planning and executive coaching, you can break through the barriers holding you back and create a vision that inspires action and drives results.
At mkw+co, I specialize in turning vague ideas into clear, actionable plans that work for non-profits and small businesses. The best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
➡️ Ready to take the first step? Book a free 15-minute consultation today, and let’s talk about crafting a vision that doesn’t just sit in a drawer but will transform your organization.
Final Thoughts
Vision without execution is just a dream. But with the right plan and a trusted partner, your vision for 2025 can become a reality. Let’s make it happen together.
