Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.”
I believe the same idea applies to achieving our goals. We cannot achieve something greater or different from doing the same things or thinking in the same way.
Consider being open to what may feel counterintuitive. Engaging in ways that don’t initially feel natural.
DISRUPTING WHAT IS TYPICAL
Different doesn’t have to be hard, though it is important to give it a chance. Here are seven key strategies leaders have put into practice to achieve their goals more consistently and with less effort.
#1 You first. Are you taking the time and doing the tasks that will move the needle for you first? To meet your goals and deadlines, it’s essential to prioritize them. Block off dedicated time in your calendar for your top priorities, whether they’re personal or professional. By making your priorities a non-negotiable focus, you can ensure that other tasks and requests take a back seat when necessary.
#2 Hold your goals loosely. How often has a pursuit of yours resulted in an outcome even more remarkable than you had imagined? Don’t hold onto your way of how a goal is met that you miss what might be even better. Listen with an open mind and entertain opportunities when presented because you can’t perceive what better looks like ahead of time.
#3 Assign meaning to what you do. How many times do you catch yourself just going through the motions of completing a task instead of enjoying it? When you assign meaning to what you do, it takes on a purpose and becomes more fulfilling. Having you feel inspired to move forward even when you experience setbacks.
#4 Take breaks regularly. How often do you go from a meeting to doing a task, attending a meeting, or getting on a call without a break? To operate at your highest level of productivity, experts suggest taking a break every 90 minutes, mentally, physically, and emotionally. It reinvigorates and relaxes you. This could be as easy as plugging into your music for ten minutes, taking a walk outside or finding a quiet spot to take a breath and reset. Leaders found scheduling breaks boosted their energy and helped them be more present for what was next.
#5 Share your goals. Do you keep your goals to yourself to save you from the embarrassment of not meeting them? Reach out to share your goals with people you value and will support you in reaching them. Leaders stated that sharing their goals with another person made them feel more real and created a greater sense of ownership. Besides, when you share what you want to accomplish, you never know who can help you get to where you want to go.
#6 Meditate daily. Do you have a minimum of five minutes a day to sit in silence? Discipline is a required ingredient when working to achieve your goals. Research shows meditating as little as five minutes a day can increase your willpower AND lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, increase your concentration, your immune system, self-awareness, and happiness. Feeling calm and focused allows for more ease in achieving your goals. Leaders shared that it helped them reset emotionally and refocus during the day.
#7 Review your successes daily. Do you experience wins throughout your day and typically move on? Take time to note your successes and all the steps you took to make them happen. Think about what you did (the how) and what contributed to making it go well (the why). Leaders discovered it primed them to repeat what works and fostered a more positive mindset.
Remember, as you work toward achieving your goals, who you become as a person and a leader is a big part of your achievement.
YOUR MOVE
What strategies do you feel will help you move the needle as you move forward? Decide and make the commitment now. Schedule it, share it, and block the time for it. Different can be an advantage.
Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!
Are you interested in having a conversation to explore how you can define your personal brand and accelerate your growth as a leader, individually or as a team? Send an e-mail to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation.
