One of my favorite questions to ask executives when I begin working with them is surprisingly simple: “Please tell me what success looks like in 12 months.”

The answers reveal a great deal about how a leader thinks, prioritizes, and approaches the future.

Some executives respond with remarkable clarity. They describe three or four meaningful outcomes they intend to achieve, why those outcomes matter, and how their organization will be better as a result. They have clearly considered many possibilities, made difficult choices, and begun aligning people and resources toward a better future.

Others offer a lengthy list of activities, problems to solve, and operational challenges demanding their attention. Their answers often reflect the stresses they are experiencing today, rather than the possibilities of tomorrow.

The distinction is important. One executive is focused primarily on running the business. The other is focused on both running the business and changing the business.

Both responsibilities matter, but they require different ways of thinking.

Running the business means serving customers, managing employees, meeting financial commitments, and solving the inevitable problems that arise each day. Changing the business means looking beyond those immediate demands and determining what must be different to create a more successful future.

One mindset is incremental. The other creates the possibility for transformational change.

A leader I worked with used a simple rubber band analogy. Effective leaders stretch the rubber band, creating tension between where the organization is today and where it needs to be tomorrow. That tension encourages people to respond, adjust, and improve. Eventually, the organization catches up, and the tension is relieved.

Then the leader stretches the rubber band again.

Over time, through repeated cycles of thoughtful tension and improvement, the organization advances far beyond where it started.

The key is knowing how far to stretch. Too little tension creates complacency. Too much can overwhelm people. Effective leaders understand the difference and create enough constructive tension to inspire meaningful progress.

This same principle applies to our personal lives. Imagine someone asking you today, “What does success look like in your life 12 months from now?”

Would you describe a better version of your life, or would you simply describe your current circumstances, and hope things improve?

Perhaps you are struggling with your health, experiencing tension in a relationship, feeling unfulfilled professionally, or wishing you had more time for people and activities that matter most. These are real challenges, and ignoring them won't make them disappear.

But neither will allowing them to consume every bit of your attention.

Just as executives can become trapped in the daily operations of their businesses, we can become trapped in the chaos of our personal lives. We get up, fulfill obligations, solve problems, go to bed, and repeat the process tomorrow.

Before long, another year has passed. We have been incredibly busy, but have we moved forward?

Consider a few questions, both personally and professionally:

• What three outcomes would make the next 12 months truly successful?
• What important change have I been postponing because today's demands seem more urgent?
• Where do I need to stretch the rubber band in my business, relationships, health, or personal growth?

The answers don't require grand ambitions or dramatic reinventions. Meaningful change begins with a few carefully selected priorities and the discipline to act on them consistently.

We owe it to ourselves, our families, and the people who depend on us to take care of today while intentionally creating a better tomorrow. So, what does success look like for you 12 months from now? Are you willing to change today to make it happen?

Tony Thelen is the founder of The River Coaching and Consulting, LLC, an executive coaching firm based in West Okoboji. He is the author of "Am I Doing This Right?" and "Things We Desire." He works with CEOs, business owners, and executives to remove pain, anxiety, and stress while making room for true personal and professional growth. Contact Tony at [email protected] or learn more at www.therivercoach.org.