The 4 C’s Journey.

I’ve been feeling inept about some things lately. Even after investing years of effort into researching and preparing for a new line of business (which I’ve finally launched—hooray!) I find myself a bit lost about how to proceed.

I mentioned my lack of self-assuredness to a fellow entrepreneur a few weeks ago, and he nonchalantly commented, “Oh, that’s because you’re not at the confidence stage yet. You’re earlier on in the process.” He then went on to describe the 4 C’s Formula, which he’d learned in his Strategic Coach training program, developed by Dan Sullivan.  It goes like this:

• The first C is Commitment. For me this step happened when I decided to invest a significant sum into developing this new business venture. I’d experienced some early success with the concept, which gave me the confidence to dive in further, so I said, “Let’s do it!” And that led me to…
• The second C, which is Courage. You’ve likely experienced the feeling that when you put a stake in the ground and say, “I’m committed!” That action alone helps you feel more courageous. Compared to when we procrastinate on a decision, which is an energy drainer, commitment infuses us with vigor to proceed. Courage also triggers us to call upon our best unique abilities to propel us toward our goals. For me, that’s using my strengths in focus and creativity. And that brings me to where I reside now…
• The third C, which is Capabilities. Truth is, I have very little experience in this new line of business. I’m taking classes, reading, meeting with experts, and working through rounds of trial and error. Yet when I evaluate where I am now as compared to even two weeks ago, I can see that I’m building my skills. It will just take time. And with that I will eventually reach…
• The fourth C, which is Confidence, and that will feel great! Then, as Sullivan points out, I’ll likely start the whole process again, because confidence fuels commitment for even bigger and better things…it’s an exciting, circuitous ride.