I was working with a client who was doing great until the holiday hit and all of a sudden, her life was turned upside down. She entered into some self sabotage on multiple levels and we found ourselves addressing those issues . Since that session, I have reflected upon why people do some of the things they do and more importantly, how they can avoid that in the future.
David Bullock, one of the great businessman and internet marketers commented on this in one of his blog posts here about the same process. He made reference to an sprinter in a race poised to start. All the preparation that has taken place up to the start of that race is secondary to actually getting out and doing the absolute best in that race.
The same holds true to our lives and accomplishing what we want to do. We can change behaviors, set goals, put action plans in place as much as we want. However, in the here and now, we have to execute on what we know to do. It is up to us to act.
So how do we tend to get in our own way?
- Procrastinating
- Justification of doing something other than plan
- Not being clear on what you will do now
- Lack of purpose behind your plans
- Laziness
- Other similar traits
More importantly, how do we get out of our own way? Maybe these simple steps can help.
- Clearly decide what you want to do.
- Identify the “why” behind the “what,” meaning, what is the driving force behind what you want to do.
- Make a judgment call on the “why” to make sure it fits in with who you truly are and/or want to be.
- Break down the “what” into tangible, doable steps. I recommend something that can be completed in a defined period of time, 30-60 minutes seems to work best.
- Share with a coach or someone else what that is to set up some accountability by asking them to follow up with you.
- Decide when you are going to do each step.
- Go and do!!!
If you find yourself getting sidetracked once you’ve done the steps above, take advantage of your accountability person to kick start you back into action. You may also want to review step 2 to make sure you have a good “why.” Ask yourself what you are gaining by not doing what you committed to yourself to do and process what you feel.
Very soon you will find that your own excuses are truly just that, excuses and once you dismiss them, you’ll be out of your own way and on your way to success!
