At the beginning of each year, many of us write New Year Resolutions, also known as Goals & Objectives.
The missing ingredient is often the next piece. Making it all come together.
Assuming we have correctly written goals, does not mean we follow through and take the ongoing action needed to achieve planned results.
Why? Either our motivation is not strong enough, or as my chapter in a book* I recently co-authored reads – Life Happens.
Stop letting life happen without you! We get so busy doing ‘stuff’ we don’t get around to accomplishing what we want – what we need- what will make an impact in our lives.
As an executive in my past life, I was responsible for many people, over three decades. One of the struggles I learned early on was that many people that failed did not fail because they were not intelligent. Instead, because they did not learn how to focus their time on the right things and identify, then STOP, the practices that hold them back. Over 30 years I witnessed this over, and over, and over. And those who learned to plan, focus and act accomplished more than they thought possible.
Here is one small habit that will pay BIG dividends!
When you first wake up, before you turn on any electronics, grab a cup of coffee, sit with your planner, and spend 30 – 45 minutes on strategy. Your own small strategy thinking session. One hour of power, alone.
Another and probably better option that Jason, my Executive Wellness Partner would most surely suggest is to grab a water and do this during a walk. Science has confirmed that walking does indeed awaken creative ability. In one Stanford University study, researchers found that walking boosts creative output by 60 percent
Regardless of how you accomplish this one habit, quiet with a cup of coffee or a quiet walk alone, this block of time will give you a daily space for focus on the big things that most matter! Some call this blocking time, some call it white-space. Whatever you call it, focus on what you want to achieve that day. Here are some thoughts to consider during this strategy thinking session:
- What can I do TODAY that will help move my goals along? At least one of them!
- What can I do TODAY that will help me improve in (fill in the blank)?
- What one small task can I accomplish THIS day to prevent future fires?
Now STOP the excuses igniting in your head. (Yes, I am reading your mind!). I know you are busy, but this little habit change will make you more productive than you have ever been!
If you want to move your life forward, you will find this morning strategy time beneficial.
If you are concerned with finding the time to accomplish what you plan, don’t plan to move mountains. Take one piece at a time, and even when the pieces are small, they will make an impact over time.
I recognize change is not easy, but as my LinkedIn friend Michael Zeidenberg titled his book, “If Nothing Changes, Nothing Will Ever Change”. Love that title. It says it all!
If you, on the other hand, overload your plan, you will become frustrated and stop. I also follow Akash Karia on LinkedIn. He is one of my speaking and writing coaches; a multiple best-selling author; and has been posting a lot on his new book ‘7 Things Emotionally Resilient People Do Differently’. Little steps are one of the trends I am also reading from Akash.
Remember the riddle ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’ (I hate that saying, but you get my point!)
Change can be easier than you perceive. Believe in yourself, and then with focus and motivation, you can do this. If you absolutely can’t, then find the time by identifying your time suckers. You know, those things and people that waste your time every day. That might be an idea for your first strategy thinking session.
Planning and organizing your day is so very important! Truth is, I did not study the efficient and effective use of time because I thought it was an exciting topic. I studied and then earned my certification in Organizational Development because I witnessed the one thing that made leaders fail consistently – and that is inefficient and, therefore, ineffective use of their time.
They could not organize their plans, their quarters, their weeks, and their days to tackle the big things. Yes, they were intelligent. They were not, however, focused on what mattered most. Some not aware of the little/ big things that can make the most impact.
If you need help with this, get it. It does NOT need to be with me as many others also focus on organizational efficiency. If you have any questions for me, however, please reach out! It would be my honor to support you! Simply go to https://paronegroup.com/contact-us/.
Regardless, start with that hour of power in the morning. What powerful tasks will you complete that day? And how will you make the time? You will be amazed by yourself. I promise! Wishing you a healthy, happy and productive 2020!
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Parone Group is a consulting firm enhancing organizational effectiveness. We help you and your team identify sound processes, so that every person, at every level of your organization thrives.
We also speak for organizations on creating customer loyalty from the inside out and organizational effectiveness.
Consulting Website: ParoneGroup.com Speaking Website: IrmaParone.com
NOTE:
If you are interested in purchasing an autographed copy of my international best selling book referenced in this article, you can go to https://paronegroup.com/voices-of-the-21st-century/ note this book is not about new year resolutions or goals & objectives but rather powerful female voices rising up to educate, guide, and inspire.