Many of the projects in our lives are new ventures from new relationships to new entrepreneurial businesses. What can we do to ensure the success of any activity? I know, there is no guarantee, but we can take some steps that raise the odds of success in our favor. Maybe the most important step is the first one. Let’s call it “Formulation.”

I do and have done a lot of work with athletic coaches. What I recommend is that at the beginning of each season they go through the Formulation process. Repeating last season’s formulation is insufficient for this coming season. Things are always changing. You are always changing. Circumstances may be similar, but not exactly the same.

Even if the coach has the same personnel, which rarely is the case, they all are different. They have grown some. They have a whole set of experiences they didn’t have last season. They have a greater capacity to perform. This is true for the coach and his/her staff as well. Bottom line—the future we create dictates our actions, not the past.

The process of Formulation is a function of what we say it is. It lives in our words. Our words show us the path to take. Here are some basic principles for effective Formulation:

PURPOSE. A clear purpose keeps our actions aligned. You know, on the “same page” that people are always talking about?

POSSIBILITY. If we accomplish our purpose, what’s possible for the participants individually as well as a team? No limitations from the past. Should be a stretch. Beyond any past accomplishments.

COMMITMENT. Once the possibility is clear, the participants commit to it. What we are committed to keeps us on track.

TAKE A STAND. Your stand on yourself that you are capable and your stand on your teammates that they are capable as well. In other words, this is IT!

WHO IS IN. This includes what you need that you might not have. You will figure out a way. Begins in the recruiting process and is finalized as the first step in Formulation. Includes re-evaluation of returnees (staff and athletes).

Before the first practice you should know: Personnel, Equipment, Money (Budget) and Time (schedule of activity for everything). Remember this: MOST PROJECTS THAT FAIL, FAIL IN THE SET-UP.