Happy 2016!
This is my first 'shared' leadership thought for the year. I've enjoyed the break with family and friends and I'm excited about living out the many plans we've created. I hope you're excited too about your plans!
Whilst out on my 90 minute training walk (doing Oxfam Trailwalker in April - 100km in 25 hours), I realised I was ready to put my leadership thoughts to keys!
SIDETRACKED OR HIJACKED
Like many, we see the new year as a time to announce a new approach, change of habit, outlandish goal or decide it's time to ditch and start afresh. And like most of us, we don't have a good track record of making these announcements stick let alone staying on track.
We get sidetracked or hijacked.
I'm first to admit that I've shouted a few promises; I'm a sucker for goal setting, planning and taking risks! And, I'm good at sticking to these commitments until I get sidetracked or let something or someone hijack the activity.
Both are problems and I haven't decided which is worse. They both steal our time, energy and concentration. Sidetracked might be a simple and short deviation, however it's the time to regain the momentum and focus. Whereas Hijacked is more likely to be for a longer duration with the uneasy feeling of wearing a muzzle; unable to speak up for yourself or continue with what you're wanting to achieve.
PREVENTION
To prevent being sidetracked requires a time-management solution - turning off devices and sounds, closing the door if you're in an office or meeting room (closing office blinds if possible), setting a timer to focus for a set period time e.g. 60 minutes or blocking your diary with a message saying 'great work in progress - please respect my request' (I'm serious - your colleagues are your worst enemy.)
Preventing being hijacked can be tough and tedious. I recommend identifying the particular people who are your life hijackers and minimizing their presence in your space. The next step is to practise being assertive and providing feedback to people if they zap your energy and ideas. If it's a problem which hijacks you, determine the triggers; ridiculous time frames and self sabotaging talk are two popular culprits which require specific strategies.
SERIOUS ABOUT CHANGE
If you're serious about change, want to stay on track, your attention to these two troublemakers, Sidetracked and Hijacked, will lessen the likelihood of an interruption to your goal achievements.
You must keep on track.
Connect with me to work on strategies to prevent being sidetracked or hijacked. If 2016 if the year to increase your performance you'll need a Mentor or Coach (dependent on your progress) to achieve your goals. Send me a quick message now!