It’s no secret that Florida summers can be brutal. Picture this: temperatures are sky-high, the air so thick with humidity you could cut it with a knife. Most people would agree that the best refuge is somewhere involving a pool, cool indoor air conditioning, and perhaps a chilled beverage in hand. Yet, here I am on my screened-in porch, ceiling fan whirring overhead, lunch half-forgotten as I watch a solitary figure in the park across the street.

This young man is a vision of sheer determination. Amidst the unforgiving heat and blazing sun, he's running football drills—alone. It’s an inspiring sight, his dedication palpable even from this distance. As he starts his warm-ups and sets down cones on the grass turned parchment by the sun, it becomes clear: he’s a football player. He sprints, pivots right, then mimics a catch. Repeat. Sprint, pivot left, hands outstretched for the invisible football. This spectacle of commitment continues for an hour, leaving me in awe.

It strikes me then, to excel at anything—including chasing our dreams—requires a steadfast discipline to practice.

We aren’t born entrepreneurs; we cultivate the necessary skills through continuous learning and experience. And when that entrepreneurial calling does come knocking, the journey doesn't end. Obtaining your business license or tax ID is just the beginning. Like any muscle that requires consistent exercise, so too does our business acumen need continual strengthening.

So, how do we tighten these entrepreneurial muscles?

• Strategically Plan with Your Company Values Front and Center

• Every decision should align with the core values of your company. This strategic alignment ensures that your business moves in the direction of its vision.

• Tune Your Operational Structure Towards Peak Efficiency

• A robust operational framework isn’t just about being effective; it's about remaining nimble enough to seize new opportunities as they arise.

• Lead, Don't Boss

• Leadership is about understanding the ins and outs of what your team does, how they do it, and recognizing their contributions. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and not being afraid to get your hands dirty alongside your team.

Our friend relentlessly training under the sun probably knows a thing or two about leadership. Chances are he's a star player because he understands the value of putting in the work and holding himself accountable.

Now, ask yourself, how accountable are you as a business leader? Knowledge is power, yes, but the right operational systems use that knowledge to propel a business forward, making informed decisions that drive growth and add value.

Leadership, like sports, often involves teamwork, but individual dedication is key to achieving the pinnacle of success. It’s about ownership, accountability, and responsibility. Blame, excuses, and denial simply don’t cut it.

So, as I sit here, inspired by the athlete training tirelessly in the park, I extend that same admiration to you, fellow business leaders. Together, let's choose to embody the virtues that elevate our teams and enterprises.

Which path will you take? Will you wilt under the sun, or will you rise, one disciplined step at a time, towards the greatness you’re capable of?

Here’s to that relentless pursuit of excellence—thank you, my friend in the park, for reminding us of what it truly takes.