Greetings!
I see it all the time, clients who work really hard every day but make very little progress towards their goals. The frustration is palpable. They show up for their call, defeated, and absolutely at a loss for what to do differently to get the results they want. The first thing we do is identify their action afflictions – those actions prohibiting them from gaining traction and achieving their goals.
There are typically three types of action afflictions:
- You’re taking too much action – it’s unfocused and works against you;
- You’re taking too little action – you’re unsure of how to move forward, so you take action in haphazard and intermittent fits and starts;
- You’re taking the wrong action – you’re busy doing lots and lots of things, but not the things that will lead you where you want to go.
None of these is good.
But taking effective action is actually a simple two-step process, that when followed, allows you to accomplish your goals more easily, quickly and confidently.
Step One: Planning the action. Unfortunately, most people skip this critical phase and jump straight into the action part. But skipping the planning process is setting yourself up for failure. Planning the action is taking a moment to reflect on what you want to accomplish, determine what you need to focus on to accomplish that, identify most important action steps you can take, and then finally, determine what obstacles might get in your way so you can mitigate them.
Step Two: Taking effective action. As implied, taking effective action is all about motion, traction and momentum. It’s designed to get you where you want to go. Once you’re clear about what you want to achieve and the best way to achieve it, you can jump into action and simply work your plan. There is no more deliberating or deciding, no bouncing or spinning, because you’ve already spent your time planning.
By investing just minutes to the planning process and then taking targeted action, you can shave hours, weeks and even months off the time it takes you to reach your goal. And, you do better work, avoid burning out, and take control of your time and focus.
What are your action afflictions? Before you jump into action today, pause, and take some time to reflect and to plan. I think you’ll find you get way more done – and as I said before, more easily and quickly! Give it a try! And, let me know how ti works!
If you could use more strategies (and support and accountability) to help you be your most productive self, please consider joining Getting an Edge. The next program begins January, 2020. You can find more information by visiting Getting an Edge Program.
AND…if you join before December 31st, you’ll receive a complimentary 1-hour strategy session with me (a $350 value).
Enjoy!
Erin