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This week is our 150th newsletter. Phew! and Woohoo!
And as we took a moment to look back at all the content we've sent out, it hit us:
We didn’t get here because of one big goal.
We got here because of consistent small actions that built up over time.
Every week, we showed up. Wrote. Edited. Hit publish.
Even on the days we were busy, tired, or not quite sure what to say.
And that’s what this week’s topic is all about.
This is Shift #2 in our Think Like a CEO series, where we share insights to help small business owners shift from operator to leader, and build a business that can grow without burning you out.
Let’s jump in.
SHIFT #2: FROM GOALS TO GROWTH
Big goals sound inspiring.
But they can also create pressure, stress, and frustration when results don’t happen fast enough.
The truth?
Great CEOs don’t obsess over goals.
Instead, they focus on building systems that create growth.
Here’s how we’ve done that, and how you can too:
1- Focus on the process, not just the outcomes
When we started this newsletter, we didn’t aim for 150 editions.
We worked together to figure out a process that worked for us.
Initially, Steve wrote the newsletters and I edited them, but that shared responsibility was harder than we expected.
So we changed it.
Now, at the beginning of each month, we brainstorm the next month’s topics.
In weeks 2 and 3, we draft 4 newsletters.
And by week 4, we’ve lined up the next month’s editions for publishing, always a month ahead.
It’s become a simple, repeatable rhythm that’s easy, effective, and (believe it or not) fun.
2- Review, adjust, and repeat
It took plenty of trial and error to get here.
We’ve tested different tones, topics, and formats based on what readers respond to and what open rates tell us.
The same applies in business.
If you want consistent growth, regularly review your systems and results.
Ask yourself:
What’s working?
What needs tweaking?
What can I automate or stop doing altogether?
That’s how you keep improving without burning out.
3- Build something you actually enjoy
If you’re going to build a business (or write 150 newsletters) you need to enjoy it.
The systems you build should make your work more meaningful, not just more efficient.
Because if you don’t find joy in what you’re creating, what’s the point?
Enjoying the process isn’t just nice to have, it’s how you stay consistent for the long haul.
Bottom line:
Big goals might set your direction, but systems are what get you there.
It’s how you grow from chasing results to creating them, and how you move from goals to growth.
👉 Since we’ve just hit 150 newsletters, we’d love your feedback!
What kinds of topics are you enjoying most?
And what would you like to see more of in future editions?
And thank you for being here and reading each week.
We couldn’t do this without you.
Speak soon,
Lynne and Steve
P.S. For the rest of our Think Like a CEO Series, and for all 150 newsletters we've written, check out our archive here.
TLDR:
We didn’t hit 150 newsletters by aiming for 150.
We built habits and systems that made consistency easy.
We review and adjust regularly, based on feedback and data.
Most importantly, we enjoyed the process! Because if you're not having fun, what's the point?
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