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Lean, Adapt, Strategize: Breaking Down Barriers

This sample exercise, "Lean, Hustle, Adapt," is crafted to guide your clients in identifying areas where they can shift from hustle to strategic action. Complete the exercise below to try it out. Read the full instructions.

Stop Hustling, Start Strategizing: An Exercise for Immediate Clarity

Let’s take a look at one of the exercises included in the accelerator. Want to take it for a spin download the exercise sample here or read more about how it works below.
One of the powerful exercises included in the Vision Value Accelerator is the Lean, Hustle, Adapt exercise. It’s designed to help your clients identify where they can stop hustling and start moving strategically.
Here’s how the exercise works:

  • 1.
    Identify the M.E.S.S.Y Goal

    Ask your client to write down one major goal they’re working on for the next 12 months that is aligned with their vision. 

    M.E.S.S.Y goals are mission aligned, exponential, sifted from the heap, simple and uniquely yours. 

    In the Vision Value Accelerator (VVA), "M.E.S.S.Y" goals are bold, ambitious targets designed to push clients beyond their comfort zones and toward meaningful, transformative growth. We call them "M.E.S.S.Y" because they're challenging by design—they don't come with a straightforward roadmap and require adaptability, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to navigating complexity.

    When we ask for a "big messy goal," we're talking about a goal that may feel just out of reach, but with the right framework and strategies, can be broken down into achievable actions. These are goals that inspire, stretch capacity, and spark a sense of purpose. The VVA system, can help your clients approach these "M.E.S.S.Y" goals with clear, actionable strategies that align with their vision and protect what they value making the journey impactful and sustainable.

  • 2.
    List the Roadblocks

    List all the roadblocks and obstacles they foresee in achieving this goal.

    In the Vision Value Accelerator (VVA), roadblocks are obstacles that hinder progress toward achieving goals, particularly those goals that align with one's vision and protect what you value. These roadblocks can manifest in various forms, ranging from internal challenges like limiting beliefs and fear of failure to external pressures such as competing priorities and lack of resources.

    Examples of Roadblocks May Include: 

    • Internal Resistance: self-doubt or negative self-talk,  “I’m not experienced enough to lead this project"

    • Competing Priorities:  caught up in daily tasks, resulting in a lack of progress.

    • Lack of Resources: Insufficient time, funding, or support 

  • 3.
    Establish Your Action(s)

    In the Lean, Hustle, Adapt portion of the exercise, you'll strategize actionable steps to overcome the identified roadblocks. For each roadblock decide if the action to take is to "Lean, Hustle or Adapt". 

    • Lean: Identify individuals or resources you can lean on for support, guidance, or collaboration to help navigate challenges effectively.

    • Adapt: Consider where you can shift your mindsets or habits to better align with your goals and overcome barriers. What changes can enhance your approach?

    • Hustle: Determine if there are specific areas requiring focused effort or targeted action. While it's essential to hustle at times, aim for more Lean strategies to ensure sustainable progress.

    This concept empowers your clients to take intentional steps toward their goals while leveraging support (like their coach) and adaptability.

Write down one major goal you're working on for the next 12 months that aligns with your vision. Example Goals—  Personal Goal: “I want to write a book" Professional Goal: “I want to create an online course that generates passive income" (Definition of M.E.S.S.Y Goals: M.E.S.S.Y goals are mission-aligned, exponential, sifted from the heap, simple, and uniquely yours.)
What is getting in the way of achieving this goal? Identify and list the obstacles you foresee that might hinder your progress toward this goal in the next 12 months. Example Roadblocks: “I struggle to find time to write between work and family obligations.” “I lack the technical skills to create an online course platform.” “I’m afraid of putting my story out there and facing criticism.”

Lean/Hustle/Adapt

For every roadblock and obstacle identify where you can take of these actions:
  • Lean: Where can your client lean into existing resources, tools, or people to help them move forward?
  • Adapt: What mindsets or habits need to shift in order to overcome the barriers?
  • Hustle: Is there any area where focused hustle or targeted action is required? (Pro tip: Aim to have more 'Lean' strategies than hustle.)
Categorize Your Actions
Roadblock
Action (Lean/Hustle/Adapt)
Brainstorm
 
For each identified roadblock, decide on the most effective action to take—whether to lean on support, hustle with focused effort, or adapt your approach. Then, brainstorm a specific step or idea you can implement to effectively navigate and overcome each challenge.

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