Written by Julie A. Baylor, CHA

 

All successful people possess the trait of persistence – the ability to maintain action regardless of feelings. The degree of your persistence in achieving your green goals will be determined by the value you place on those goals. If goals are vague or unfocused, personal persistence is weakened. Goals that are set too low reduce the intensity of the pursuit, while seemingly unattainable goals cause us to give up too soon. When goals are stated in a meaningful and challenging way, we value them highly and our persistence level increases. 

 

Below are three ways to improve your green tenacity:

 

1.                  Be certain of your “calling.”

There is a reason you feel compelled to pursue green initiatives. Business sustainability protects the long-term strength of the company, safeguards employee jobs, provides safe and healthy products and services to customers, and protects the Earth from negative operational business impacts. Knowing this as fact makes you uniquely qualified to forge ahead with confidence. 

 

2.                  Be clear on what you are doing.

Make sure your goals are specific with action plans and metrics for measurement. Clear up any fuzzy areas with clearly written objectives. Evaluate your progress regularly. 

 

3.                  Recognize the value of your pursuit.

Every step toward sustainability makes a difference in this world. Be proud of the waste diversion, energy savings, and water conservation you achieve every day. Each act of green matters – not only to the Earth, but to those in your sphere of influence. You may represent only one business, but you touch many others. Never underestimate the impact you have on vendors, employees, customers and the competition. 

 

So renew your commitment today, and keep on pressing on. “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

 

Julie A. Baylor, CHA, LEED GA www.juliebaylor.com