“Step by step. I can't
think of any other way of accomplishing anything.”
~ Michael Jordan (1963-, American basketball player, actor)
So you’ve made Commitments to yourself for 2006, now it’s time to take action! Commitment without action is like
an exercise plan without getting off the couch – it can only result in disappointment, the opposite effect we intend to achieve.
I’ve
found that it’s easy for us to dream of what we want, but when it comes
to taking the necessary steps to make it happen, we get stopped in our
tracks, overwhelmed with the grandiosity of our plans. What works for
me is to break Commitments down into steps of action. Commitments are
what we call “Big A” Agenda items in coaching. They bring us closer to
our purpose in life and connect us with the big picture-reasons for
doing something. Actions are referred to as “Little A” Agenda items,
the steps needed to fulfill our Commitments. Here are some helpful tips
for fulfilling your New Years Commitments to yourself.
1. Start from the end –
For instance, if you plan to develop yourself as a public speaker,
picture yourself where you want to be. As one of my favourite authors,
Dr. Wayne Dyer says, “contemplate yourself surrounded by the
circumstances you want”. Picture yourself giving that speech to a room
full of people enraptured by what you have to say. This will serve to
motivate you and keep you connected to your “Big A” Agenda.
Try it: Reconnect with your Vision (see November 2006 Coaching Corner).
What do you see yourself doing in the future when you have followed
through on your Commitments? How will it feel? Who will be there with
you?
2. Prioritize your
activities –
This sounds like common sense, however, very few people actually
organize their time around activities that will serve their
Commitments. With your Commitments in front of you, make a list of
activities that will bring you closer to living them. You may have
daily, weekly, and monthly activities as well as milestones throughout
the year. Block time out for these activities on your calendar. As for
the milestones, make a “To Do” list and give yourself a target date for
completing it. This alleviates the feeling of being overwhelmed and
allows you to focus on the present. It’s also useful to create some
time each day/week to review and update your calendar and action list.
Remember, always leave room for flexibility.
Try it: Make
a list of activities and milestones you want to accomplish (relevant to
your Commitments). List the frequency and duration of each activity and
set target dates for your milestones. How will the items on your list
bring you closer to keeping your Commitments?
3. Big change starts with small steps –
Small adjustments can make a big difference in your life. Our society
tends have an all or nothing attitude. Go big or go home. I’ve found
that by making some minor adjustments in my daily routine, attitude,
and perception brings positive results. So, be realistic and don’t burn
yourself out. Think of small things you are capable of sustaining. Slow
and steady wins the race.
Try It: What changes in thinking,
speaking and doing would bring you closer to living your Commitments?
4. Don’t
compare, and get out of your comfort zone –
You are a unique individual. What is right for you will not be right
for some one else. In our world of comparison and competition, we look
outside ourselves for validation. Forget it! You know what’s right and
only you can decide what works. Your commitments are unique and how you
fulfill them will also be customized to you. There is no race or
competition, so slow down and experiment with what truly works for you.
That may mean trying something new and different, so be willing to
stretch out of your comfort zone to explore what’s right for you.
Try It: What is one activity that would take you out of your comfort zone and bring you closer to your
Commitments?
5. Develop support structure –
As a coach, I am a strong advocate for seeking out the support you need
to be successful. Whether your support comes from a life coach,
trainer, mentor, friend, or group, statistics show that when held
accountable for our intentions, we are more likely to accomplish them.
Try It: Do you have
enough support in your life? What would your life be like if you had more support?
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