You have a goal.

A target.

An objective.

And then reality steps in.

Problems and difficulties arise.

Walls and obstacles appear.

You will need some options to progress.

If Plan A doesn’t work, then move to plan B.

You might need to zig or to zag to make headway.

If this, then do that.

If that, then do something else.

There is more than one way to get where you need to go.

So what are your options?

Option 1 – Have options.

Option 2 – See option 1.

Are you interested, involved or committed?

Interest is not sustainable.

You will lose interest when it gets hard.

Involvement is better.

Though involvement doesn’t require dedicatation.

When committed, truly committed, nothing should stop you.

Commitment triggers action.

Commitment is resolve.

Being committed to the outcome will push you through the process.

You will do whatever it takes.

So what have you committed yourself to?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chicken_and_the_Pig

It’s okay to say, “I don’t know”.

Saying so can be positive.

It doesn’t waste time.

It opens possibility

It doesn’t pretend.

You don’t have to guess.

It provides a release, especially if you don’t know.

It’s authentic.

It can be the smartest thing you say.

There is no nonsense.

No need to hide.

It saves time.

Stimulates curiosity.

Forces things to be figured out.

Clarifies what you need to find out.

Feel free to use “I don’t know” more often.

“The more I learn, the more I realise how much I don’t know.” – Albert Einstein

You are not responsible for what others say.

Others might say things that are rash, reckless or rude.

You are responsible though, for what you say.

You get to choose your words (and how you say them).

Words are powerful.

Be intentional with them.

“Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.” – Robin Sharma

You will need to love what you do.

You will need to have passion.

A purpose.

Because that will keep you going.

When things aren’t going right.

When it feels like you are not making progress.

When pushing through barriers.

When dealing with challenging people.

When you don’t know how to do it.

When you start to stress.

When it gets hard.

When you are close to giving up.

When you are tired and don’t what to anymore.

When these things happen, having passion and purpose will get you though.

You will need to love what you do.

Do you?

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

What barriers have you put on yourself?

The barriers that are holding your back?

You may be comparing yourself to others.

You might think you’re not good enough.

Or thought something impossible for yourself.

Placed a self-determined restriction.

Perhaps you think you don’t deserve it.

What are you potentially talking yourself out of?

Negative self-talk supports these barriers, such as…

… can’t.

… couldn’t.

… don’t.

… won’t.

… wouldn’t.

… shouldn’t.

You start boxing yourself in.

Intentionally or not, the outcome is still the same.

You are holding yourself back.

So what barriers have you put on yourself?

The same person that put them there is the one to take them down.

You’ve decided it’s time to take it to the next level?

What is it going to take for you to get there?

Is it new thinking?

A new skill?

Additional resources?

Talking to the right person?

Automating a process?

Acquiring more knowledge?

Acquiring more technology?

Different technology?

Doing everything differently?

Doing things the same, but faster?

Okay, you’ve thought through what you will need to take it to the next level.

That’s good.

Now how are you going to stay there?

You’re making progress and things are going great.

So why doesn’t it feel great?

You’ve put in the hard yards.

You’re good at what you do.

You are delivering results.

Stayed the course.

Forged a path.

But it doesn’t feel right.

It’s not fulfilling.

Something is missing.

Listen to your inner voice.

It’s giving you a clue.

It is telling you what you already know.

You are not on the right path.

It’s time to find a new one.

Which way do you want to go?

How assertive was your last interaction?

Being assertive is a balance.

A balance between our own needs and the needs of others.

Assertiveness seeks the middle ground between passiveness and aggression.

Too passive allows people to walk over you.

It disrespects yourself.

Too aggressive will have you working against people.

It disrespects others.

Better outcomes happen when you work with people.

Be open, be honest, be respectful.

Strive for the assertive middle.

People may not get it.

Friends may not agree.

Your partner may not understand.

All the effort you’re putting in.

The things you are trying.

Things that don’t make sense (yet).

The reworking of an idea.

Taking risks.

Stretching yourself.

Pushing through.

And that’s okay.

It’s not for them, it’s for you.

“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” – Epictetus