INSIGHTS (on leadership/self-leadership)
Research shows that people often fail to establish habits because they’re unwilling to exert self-control in the short-term to achieve their longer-term goal. That means that the key to forming habits is discipline. But you know that already. The real question is, how to develop more discipline? You do so when you elevate self-discipline to the status of a non-negotiable, closely held value. Think of how you feel when you’re knowingly violating a value you hold dear – quite often, that feeling is powerful enough to keep you on course. So, what if you approached everything you did with great discipline, treating it like a value you hold dearly? Get places on time. Hand in that report to the standards expected, every time. Lay off the snacks after dinner, consistently. Elevating discipline to core value status is a powerful thought because, so is this:
How you do anything is how you do everything.
If you approach everything with your value of discipline, that discipline will help you form whatever good habits you’re trying to establish.
IMPERFECTIONS (a mistake to avoid)
I’m all for helping others in their journey of self-improvement. Heck, why would I write this publication if I wasn’t? I just encourage people to remember this:
It’s not just about doing things better. It’s about doing better things.
Finding ways to improve incrementally is the stuff of champions. Any winning team in any sport will tell tales of hard work at doing all the little things just a bit better. I’m just asking you to avoid an omission I see so many make. They forget to step back every now and then to ask themselves if they’re laboring at getting better at the right things. Are you stuck working in your life, or taking time to work on your life as well? Are you asking yourself, “What wholesale changes must I make to achieve my goals and my definition of happiness”? Busy is the enemy of better if your energy isn’t funneled into the highest-impact efforts.
IMPLEMENTATION (one research-backed strategy, tip, or tool)
Ever wonder if your workplan will truly deliver high value to your organization, and high personal growth for you? Here’s how to tell. See how much of your workplan stands up to these research-backed guidelines for high value/high-growth work:
a) Your work meets core needs of the business (in line with key strategies, goals, and priorities)
b) Your work has clear deliverables that are measurable and time-bound
c) You have the ability to make a unique impact and be assigned credit for results
d) Your work helps you build core skills required for success in your organization
e) Your work stretches you, requiring full utilization of your capabilities
f) Your work leverages your natural strengths and allows you to work on improving without undue judgment
g) Your work reflects your tenure
h) Your work stands up to that of your peers
i) Your work sets you up for the next level (if you’re interested in promotion opportunities)
j) Your work serves the P.I.E. model (allows a chance to show Performance, enhance Image, get Exposure)
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