Sometimes when things seem to go wrong, you think “Why do I bother?”. I’ve had one of those weeks where my front door key snapped off IN the door! The oven’s heating element burnt out and to top it off, the Blue Ray player decides it no longer likes discs.
All typical things that can affect our perseverance when it comes to work or home.
Why did I not give up? Partly because I could not get in to cook dinner so we could then watch a film. Seriously, it was not so much the action as the attitude! It would have been easy to have a tantrum or feel aggrieved but no. Although an uninvited hassle, resolving the situation would insure things returned to normality or, more importantly, when things really matter, improving the end situation.
Easier said than done so here are a few tips to change the mindset towards a positive outcome by ‘Perseverance’.
Believe in yourself: “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right” (Henry Ford). Give up on trying and start doing. If you have doubt, ‘Trying’ something gives you permission to fail. Believe in yourself and commit psychologically to achieving it.
Evidence based actions: I have been as guilty as others for worrying about what might or might not happen. As the saying goes, attack is the best form of defence. Rather than getting tied up in the worry, recognise it then quickly get on with it so as to reduce the build-up of worry.
Put procrastination in her place: With today’s fast moving pace, laptops, tabs and mobile phones mean we are available 24/7. Or are we? Don’t let technology or others dominate and control your precious time. Allocate time to attend to them rather than being enslaved. What is the true reality of having to ‘immediately’ answer the device as it beckons you or are you simply procrastinating?
Reflection: Each day, look back over what you have done and make a note somewhere of what you achieved. Each week or month (depending on time scales), spend time reading over your notes to re-kindle the motivation to carry on.
Automation: It may seem obvious but reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks by creating systems, templates and suchlike. Mail Merge, for example, is great for correspondence where minor differences need to be applied to what is otherwise a long winded process especially those that are required weekly/monthly.
Understanding: Avoid shying away from a task due to lack of knowledge. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Improve your understanding of the situation. This may be as simple as establishing the required outcome rather than a perceived one! If you are not familiar with something, ask those in the know. People like to share their knowledge so never be afraid to ask someone something they will enjoy talking about.
Keep the end in sight: Goal setting along with the actions to achieve it are what Coaching to Success specialise in. Know what your ultimate goal is. Compartmentalise each element required to get there and set time-framed goals with actions for each step. It is always easier to handle smaller sections of the bigger objective and a great motivator to tick off each as they are done. Much like doing a jigsaw, one piece fits neatly in with the next and before long, you have an amazing picture made up of its several parts.
Coaching to Success work with clients to gain clarity in their end objectives. To break the bigger picture into jigsaw piece size goals and help set realistic times for each. With motivation, clarity and direction, we can help you or those you are responsible for to persevere to the end and feel the benefits of accomplishing it.
To improve your own levels of perseverance, take the first step by watching our interview video at https://youtu.be/RvCwOL4hPco then contact Neil on 07761 187238 or email neil@coachingtosuccess.co.uk where you’ll be assured a warm welcome to discuss how we can help.