When it comes to making changes in our lives, we have two options: make progress or make excuses. Working with many leaders, I have uncovered the top three sabotages to stop progress.
- Unsure of what to do – Anytime we take a new journey, we may not know how to walk the path. We may spend so much time thinking about or worrying about what to do that we do not take action.
Success tip: One of the best ways to move forward is look for role models of people who have already done what you are seeking to do. Be courageous and ask a role model about their journey. Often times, leaders, experts and creators are humbled to be of service to those seeking to make a positive difference. In sharing their experiential wisdom, you can uncover invaluable tools to avoid the pitfalls that they encountered and the keys to their success.
Success tip: Set your ego straight that in every new venture there is a learning curve. After all, every master was once a beginner. Every pro started as an amateur. Every icon began as an unknown.
- The power of intention – There is tremendous power when the head and heart align to a common goal. A great example about the power of intention is the story of William H Murray. He spent three years in Prisoner of War camps during World War II. While imprisoned, Murray wrote a book entitled Mountaineering in Scotland. The first draft of the work was written on the only paper available to him – rough toilet paper. The manuscript was found and destroyed by the Gestapo. To the incredulity of his fellow prisoners, Murray’s response to the loss was to start again, despite the risk of its loss and that his physical condition was so poor from the near starvation diet that he believed he would never climb again. One of the famous quotes he wrote on the toilet paper was ““Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” (Source)
- Success tip: Write out your intention and why it matters to you. When you write out your intention, you manifest it from just a thought into reality. When you write at least three reasons why your intention matters to you, you access the power of your heart to move you forward no matter what the circumstance.
3. Get an accountability buddy. The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) did a study on accountability and found the following statistics:
The probability of completing a goal if:
▪ You have an idea or a goal: 10%
▪ You consciously decide you will do it: 25%
▪ You decide when you will do it: 40%
▪ You plan how you will do it: 50%
▪ You commit to someone you will do it: 65%
▪ You have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve committed to: 95%
1. Success Tip: Commit to contacting an accountability buddy at least one time a week. When contacting your accountability buddy, be clear about your intentions, have evidence of working towards your goal and make sure to ask for ongoing help in any area you feel challenged. Hiring a leadership coach has also been shown to help people take quantum leaps in your success.
Schedule a free interview with top leadership coach Jenny R Craig LCSW, BCD at jcraig@insitestrategist.com or learn more at www.insitestrategist.com
gratefulring.wordpress.com 