We all start new endeavours full of enthusiasm, energy and positive attitude. Confident that we have the skills, the knowledge and the ability to make it happen. At the start, there is little to hold us back.
With time, these feelings lessen. Problems arise, people challenge us and the going starts to get tough. Before we realise it, we are carrying a huge weight that is dragging down our performance, motivation and progress.
Everyone faces these challenges and breaking free of this ball and chain requires awareness, courage and usually, a little help from a friend. With practice it gets easier each time too!
To build awareness and prepare my clients for fast progress, I use a list of twelve factors that in my experience are the most common and difficult ones to shift.
Rather than spend your time now with all twelve, here are three that have been prominent in my coaching practice over the last six months.
Commitment, or rather, lack of it.
This can get quite involved and relates to the chosen direction of travel, and the ultimate goal. Everyone I talk to has ambition, and goals – lots of them. But, these frequently conflict with each other. What I notice is that people waver, hedging their bets, or delay commitment, just in case. This leads to wasted time, energy and to be brutally honest, creates the impression of uncertainty – which is never a good thing when it comes to influence and impact.
To move faster, you have to be totally committed to your journey.
What is the single most important goal you are committed to achieving in the next year?
The Gautrey Influence Blog
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Mistaken reality.
People give me long explanations of what their stakeholders are up to. Sometimes what they say is true, but often it is not – especially when the outlook is pessimistic. Generally, these “facts” serve to justify why progress is not possible. Assumptions are necessary for survival but, also cause a huge amount of trouble and prevent people from seeing a more positive version of reality that can help them to move forward faster.
To move faster, you need to be objective about different versions of reality.
Think of a situation that is troubling you right now. What are the facts? What alternative facts could be true?
Absence of oomph.
Completely natural. Given the way the twelve factors often come as a set, it is normal to lose motivation. With paranoia, over-thinking and a negative attitude thrown into the mix, bang. You’re in a hole, and a big one at that. Climbing out is critical if you want to step-up your progress with greater influence.
To move faster you have to maintain great energy to do what needs to be done.
What will it take for you to become hugely motivated? What needs to happen to get you excited about the journey? How will you gain from your progress?
Now I admit that these can be self-evident if they are affecting you. The logic is simple to understand. What is more difficult is overcoming these factors. It takes time, thought and a good sounding-board.
It also takes the courage to do something a little different. Oh, so much easier to just take the option of doing nothing. Change is uncomfortable, painful and, well, aren’t you just happy the way you are?
Change is also invigorating, rewarding and fun.
Your choice.
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now..
💡 Benchmark your Influence: Take the Master of Influence Assessment (Free for Subscribers!)
👉 [Subscribe & Take the Assessment]