In my coaching business I often hear people talking about being stuck. Sharing with me that they know what to do but they are just not doing it. Some people label their behavior as lazy, others call themselves procrastinators but I know these highly successful and accomplished people are neither.
I, too, at times have felt stuck! Feeling that there is more to do, be and have and yet finding myself in the same place again and again. Overtime I realized there are reasons for not advancing in the direction of your dreams. When you find that your postponing actions which you need to take or delaying things that need to be done, it can be due to fear of failure or being bored. I call it the Dilly-Daley syndrome; you’re in motion but in no rush to get results
I can remember when I was first married and had to care for our house, I dreaded cleaning day. To me it was boring work but I had to do it so I made a game out of it. I challenged myself to clean each room in a certain amount of time. Boy did this keep me in motion and things got done and quickly; it seemed like the job was done in no time. I learned a lot from this experience on how to successfully accomplish things….
- Create a Sense of Urgency – time constraints will keep the energy flowing.
- Be Creative – make the task at hand FUN. Approach it differently make it a game.
- F.O.C.U.S. – Follow One Course Until U Succeed. You can’t chase two rabbits and expect to catch both of them. Decide what your burning desire is and then focus on that goal. What you focus on expands.
- START – just begin with one step…. The best way to get something done is to begin. Ask yourself what action step can I take toward my goal. Then tell someone what you did and celebrate that step.
The famous Nike ad says it all….JUST DO IT!
James Cleary writes about the 2 Minute-Rule. The 2 Minute-Rule makes it easy to start taking action.
PART 1 – If it takes less than two minutes, do it now.
PART 2 – When you start a new habit it should take less than two minutes to do
He explains that the 2 Minute-Rule works for big goals as well as small goals because of the inertia of life. Once you start doing something, its easier to continue doing it. The most important part of any new habit is getting started – not for the first time but each time.
Want to become a better writer? Just write one sentence (2–Minute Rule), and you’ll often find yourself writing for an hour.
Want to eat healthier? Just eat one piece of fruit (2–Minute Rule), and you’ll often find yourself inspired to make a healthy salad as well.
Want to make reading a habit? Just read the first page of a new book, and before you know it, the first three chapters have flown by.
Want to run three times a week? Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, just get your running shoes on and get out the door (2–Minute Rule).
If you are feeling stuck, you may need to aim higher. Set your expectations higher. You are destined for bigger and more exciting things. Most of the time you are ready to soar …. so think bodacious thoughts and play full-out! The famous Nike ad does say it best…. JUST DO IT!