Better leadership is a process. In last week’s blog we explored the essence of meaningful goal setting; aligning your goals with your personal mission. Goals that meet this basic, yet extraordinarily powerful criteria are the ones that we will commit to in the face of all the obstacles, challenges and roadblocks life seems to constantly throw our way.
Experiencing these hurdles is not a sign your goals are somehow wrong, or cannot be achieved. Far from it! They are actually incredible muscle-building learning experiences. When you get it, that this is just part of the process, and one which you can plan for, then you are far more likely to go around those roadblocks with greater resiliency and purpose.
Reflection:
If you’re going to achieve your personal mission by meeting the goals you’re setting, you need to identify potential roadblocks. These are simply the interests, demands, people, situations, or habits that could potentially keep you from achieving what you’re really after. They invite you to hold your larger objectives in mind.
Some things that might sound like good things also might not fit into your mission. Volunteering on a committee in your favorite networking association sounds like a noble undertaking, but it may not help you achieve your goals - and it will take up quite a bit of valuable time. So consider how it will or won’t before you lean into that role. When you look back at your mission statement and goals, what could possibly hold you back from achieving your goals this month, this quarter, or this year?
● Your goals might be too vague (“I want to be a good person”). Try instead: I want to empower other women leaders.
● You’ve developed poor habits like procrastination, checking social media throughout the day, or watching TV. Try instead: Make a specific time and date to enjoy those activities, but keep to your plan.
● You may have chosen goals that are too big and that need to be broken down into increments which are more realistic to accomplish monthly. Try instead: This week I will spend 2 hours building my annual strategy for next year.
● Perhaps you just have WAY too much on your plate and need a trusted friend, co-worker, or mentor help you to pare it down, learn to say no, and point out which things are important, and which are time wasters. Try instead: Tracking your time to see where you are spending most of it, and speak to the trusted advisor of your choosing about how to delegate, eliminate or automate the urgent items that may not need your skill set.
● Do you need accountability to someone who’s can help you address procrastination, lack of follow-through, or poor planning? Perhaps even a mentor or coach?
● People can be roadblocks too. Is there someone keeping you from getting things done, or being a negative influence? This can be a bit trickier and you would benefit from getting help or wise counsel.
Action:
What are your specific roadblocks? (Go back and look at your mission statement(s) and goals if that helps you pinpoint specific issues you might face.)
Be as detailed as possible in describing each roadblock and exactly how it prevents you from moving forward with your goals.
How will you handle each roadblock?
How and where can you get help if it’s needed?
Is there anything on your plate that you can eliminate, delegate to another, or simply decide it’s never going to happen? Take steps as needed.
Next week we will explore how you’ll settle on that ONE thing that you want to focus on first.