As I Lay Dying

Have you every felt completely stuck in your work? You know the feeling…projects are not on track the way they should be…leaders are doing lots of talking but very little leading…and it looks like deadlines are going to be missed.

So many issues hitting all at once.

The Cycle of Doubt
I would be lying if I told you I didn’t suffer from a cycle of doubt every once in a while. First comes a series of challenges that are quickly followed by the pressure and frustration of the work not being executed the way it should.

I hate that.

Next is that sense of desperation as the pieces seem to be spilling out everywhere without any coordinated plan that is actually being managed. Many leaders tout their own skill set, but very few actually execute effectively. 

Titles do not equal skills. Ever.


The Cycle of Success
Hitting a low point every once in while does have it’s advantages, although I would prefer never to get there myself.

Renewed Focus
Sometimes we need to simply change the way we frame our desperate situation. Consider the low point you’re feeling as the laser focus you needed to drive forward. The issues are clear…now focus exclusively on those issues. As you begin to resolve them one by one you will feel not only a sense of satisfaction, but a sense of real control.

Energy
Have you ever noticed that when things start to go well you feel even more enthusiastic about the work you’re doing? Progress brings with it a new infusion of energy. Embrace that adrenaline rush and keep pushing.

Work
Now it’s time to leverage your focus and energy and build a reasonable plan…and for God’s sake execute that plan.

Results
As your hard work pays off be sure to recognize the results you and your team are achieving. Part of every plan should be a few moments to formally acknowledge the successes along the way.

How About You
You’re not laying there dying. You are a beast. Get the hell up, dust yourself off, and go kick ass.

Now.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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