Nine and a half months into the year, how’re you doing with the goals you set in January? Are you still moving at the same speed or have you lost steam? Losing some traction on achieving the things you want when life hits you is common with everyone. What separates the winners from the losers is that winners keep finding the energy and motivation to move forward. Sometimes the motivation comes from within, other times it comes from external reminders. The critical ingredient is refusing to remain in the tight corners life pushes us to in difficult times.
For the next few weeks, we will focus on how we can pick up the pace with our goals and plans for the year, and ensure we end 2019 on a high note.
Let us begin with a quick review of our goals for the year, what did you plan to achieve this year, what were your expectations and what has your progress been so far?
As you pause to assess the year, take a step back and review three areas critically, but objectively:
- Your circle of influence: What has happened so far that has been within your control? What did you have the power to influence and what action did you take? Was that action your best action? This line of reflection gives you a better insight into how well you have handled things within your control.
- External factors: Next, we look at the things that have happened so far that were beyond your control. It is important to acknowledge these factors and assess how they impacted your plans.
- Improvement plan: Now, what could you have done better and what do you need to do differently? When you get to this level of self-questioning you are very close to getting the information you need to pick up the pace and finish strong. Ask yourself what the specific things are you need to do differently every day that will bring you closer to your goal. Ideally this shouldn’t be more than 2/3 thig maximum otherwise you run the risk of getting overwhelmed.
In the words of a Chinese proverb, “The best time to plant a tree is yesterday; the next best time is now”. This is the last month of the third quarter and you still have the time to make the last quarter of 2019 count so reflect, review, update your plans, step out, move boldly and conquer this month!
