The more we focus on a task, and take steps towards that goal the more success we will have. Denise Taylor
I’d like you to think about a time you achieved success. Perhaps it was a health goal and losing weight or meeting your target time for a half marathon. Perhaps it was getting the promotion at work or being successful at interview.
Why do you think you were successful?
In all the examples I can think of – losing 150 pounds, getting my first senior management job, getting my organisation to pay for me to attend a very expensive course it was all down to being crystal clear on my goal and taking the steps to move me towards it.
Some goals mean that things need to be done very quickly but often we can take time to do the right things. But that doesn’t mean taking a half-hearted approach. When I think to my weight loss I had the biggest success when I fully embraced my healthy eating, and did not succeed when I let myself be distracted by wine, cake etc. I also was content when I only lost a pound of weight some weeks, I kept my eye on the long term goal.
For me, getting distracted makes it harder. A treat doesn’t focus me UNLESS it’s a planned treat. So my personal trainer, Ben, used to build in a ‘treat meal’ every 5th day. This was planned so something to look forward to rather than going off plan.
The problem in getting distracted is that the momentum has gone and they have to start again.
My clients who have the most success with getting the job are the ones who take sustained action to job search. They spend the time each and every day on carefully crafting applications, talking with people they know, making direct approaches, finding new people to talk with. But even more important they know what they want. They are clear on the job they seek.
People approach me when what they are doing isn’t working. For most people career and job search coaching is something they choose when their own way hasn’t worked. So they are already fed up and their energy level is down. I give them a big shot of motivation and use tried and tested approaches with a liberal sprinkling of creativity and most make progress and get a great job. But some don’t make progress and that’s because they get distracted, or they don’t really want their goal enough.
There are plenty of articles out there on SMART goals, and the first one – Specific is essential. We must be clear on what we want, and to treat this as our priority. Not for ever, but for now. My weight has been slowly climbing, but I’ve not done anything about it. The trigger for me was realising I can’t fit in my summer mac. Six weeks will get me to my target if I do enough exercise and eat a low carb diet. It means I don’t drink any alcohol, eat anything about from lean protein and vegetables and had to learn to love black coffee. I’m getting great results and would rather 6 weeks to goal than cut down a bit, the summer has gone and I’m still weighing the same. I’m using weight loss as my example but it could equally be on a work goal.
Mini Challenge
This weeks’ mission if you choose to accept it
Please review and make a note of your answers to these questions
- A time when you achieved a goal. Think about what you thought, felt, did, and write it down.
- A time when you failed getting to a goal. Again think about what you thought, felt, did, and write it down.
- What would you like to achieve? You may have many, so pick one and make this your priority. Create a plan to take action each day. If you need motivational support, let’s schedule a time to talk.
Find further inspiration from these older blog posts
1. HELL YEAH!!
Instead of committing yourself to everything, instead of agreeing to things that only half way excite you, Sivers says you should either be so excited by something that it makes you say – hell yeah! Or you should say no to it. https://www.amazingpeople.co.uk/finding-focus/
2. BEING FOCUSED IN YOUR JOB SEARCH
Stop sending your CV for any possible job, far better to apply for fewer jobs but to create a highly focused application. Focus on the job requirements and ensure your cover letter and CV includes relevant examples. Be clear on what you want to do. I’ve a video here to watch
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How’s your love for your job?
I want you to love your job and be happy in your life. If your Sundays are full of dread for the week ahead or you realise you have been chasing the money or someone else’s dream, it’s time for us to talk. Feel free to get in touch to schedule your complimentary 15-minute discussion so we can see if I can help.
And if you know what you want to do but you aren’t getting shortlisted then I can help with CV reviews, LinkedIn makeovers, Interview coaching and more.
Wishing you a lovely weekend, and I’ll talk again soon
Denise x
