Why 92% of AEC Firms Struggle to Win More Work

Ideas at Dawn
Jun 23
2 min read

Why Most People Don’t Reach Their Goals

Did you know that 92% of people fail to achieve their goals? It’s not due to a lack of ambition or talent; it's because they wait, waiting for more data, the right timing, or complete confidence.

But waiting for perfection hinders progress. In the AEC industry, we often seek flawless win themes and messaging strategies, but clarity comes from taking action, not just planning.

How Clarity Actually Happens

During a coaching call, we realized that action creates clarity. When you're unsure what to do next, it's best to take a step forward—test an idea or start small. Research shows that making decisions with about 70% of the information is often more effective than waiting for complete certainty. Taking action allows you to receive feedback, which sharpens your approach and builds confidence.

Apply This to Proposals

This mindset is crucial in proposal development, where timelines are tight. Here’s how to implement it:

Test Messaging Early: Hold a quick review session on your draft to get input before it’s “done.”
Quick Client Touchpoints: A brief call can clarify the client’s priorities and prevent misunderstandings.
Micro-Debrief Past Proposals: Analyze one specific aspect of previous proposals to identify improvements.

Stop Waiting—Start Moving

Whether you aim to win more proposals or enhance collaboration, don’t wait for perfect clarity. Instead:

Define your goal.
Identify 2–3 ways to move forward.
Take action on one.
Evaluate and adjust.

Reflect:

What goal have I been delaying?
What small test can I run this week?
Who can offer quick feedback?

Bottom Line: Action Drives Results

Clarity results from action. The sooner you start, the faster you learn and win. So take that step today and watch the progress unfold. That’s how you win.

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