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There approaches a time during the year when goals begin to fade. Intentions were sound in the beginning, perhaps. Actions were initiated properly, perhaps. Determination was a guiding force, perhaps. Everyone was on-board with the goal, perhaps. Despite all the great intentions, actions, determination and unity, something is holding you back from closing out your goals. What could it be?
First, this situation has become a business norm far too often. It seems that something always gets in the way of success. Perhaps that “something” is why success in its broadest terms does not find its way to the doors of everyone?
Second, too few clearly take action to discover what that “something” may be. What causes the lack of action?
Could it be fear of uncovering a personal shortfall?
Could it be that commitment was clearly not as sound as proclaimed?
Could it be that far too many unimportant items took precedence causing your success track to be detoured to obscurity?
Finally, does all this make you stop and think? If so, you are among the elite of business professionals. Some studies have shown that fewer than 20% of business professionals, after finding out during their current year a goal or goals will perhaps not be reached, even make a concerted effort to close the gap. They then begin the “face saving” of offering viable excuses for their pending shortfall. Where do you find yourself?
For you 80%+ who simply give up, shame on you! For those of you who fall in the minority, here are some evaluation questions you can utilize to help you begin the process of uncovering and hopefully rebounding and hitting that goal or goals in whole or part.
- What is REALLY working as planned? What made it work?
- What must you immediately stop doing so that greater concentration can be placed on what is REALLY working?
- If you could start the year over today, what would you do differently? What level of commitment do you have to actually put that restart into immediate practice? (1 being low and 5 being get out of my way I am ready to roll.)
- What will you need to get your team focused and aligned to your business goals so that a greater level of success can be achieved?
- What are 3 actions you can take within the next 5 business days to build quick momentum?
- What accountability tool or tools will you utilize to gauge your progress?
- What celebration will you hold after you successfully hit your goal or goals?
You hold the key to the “something” that is inflecting the pain of apparent annual goal shortfall. Now the question becomes, “What will you do about it?” Are you an 80 precentor who is ready to “throw in the towel” and settle for the scripted excuses; or, are you in that less than 20% bracket that is ready to stop the fall and get yourself back in the game? It’s time to choose!
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