Get Your Stick On: In Business and Life

In this season of tornado-like winds that swirl things around into chaos and confusion, how do you make sense of it all and implement change that sticks?  Hence, the title of this message – Get Your Stick On – let’s find out how.

First of all, get real and clear with the “un’s” in your life.  The two letter prefix is defined in the English dictionary as “not,” freely used as an English formative, giving negative or opposite force in adjectives and their derivative adverbs and nouns.

What I find most interesting in this definition pertains to the words:  giving negative or opposite force.  For many, I believe this phrase sums up 2020 quite well.  We’ve experienced a tsunami of negativity, worry, loss, and concern.  This negative force is real and not to be taken lightly.  On the flip side, this negative force can be addressed if we choose to be proactive and take action to  manage the difficult and sometimes unrelenting circumstances.

Common “UN” words that I’ve heard more than in the past include:

• Unprecedented
• Unsettled
• Unforeseen
• Unrattled
• Unfair
• Uncertain
• Unrest
• Unemployment
• Underrated

Take a quick self-assessment and choose 3 words from the “UN” list that most characterize what this year has been like for you.

As we look to 2021 which is around the corner, it’s a perfect time to reflect and plan for the future.  To be honest, “planning” makes me a bit nervous because you can plan all you want to and what we have seen in 2020 is that all the best laid plans have been thrown into the “tizzy” pool.  With that said, I think it’s even more important to plunge into planning, regardless of what happens.

Take the 3-Phase Planning Challenge and let’s see what you come up with.

Phase One:  Map it Out

Phase Two:  Plan it out

Phase Three:  Work it out

This chart “Point A – Point B” has been the BEST tool I’ve used to map out a plan that makes sense and can set you on a course of success.  This model helps in planning personal, professional, or business goals.

Current State – Point A

Within the context of current state, answer the following.

• Where are you today?
• What’s happening?
• What’s working?
• What’s not?

Desired State – Point B

Within the context of desired state, answer the following:

• What’s your goal?
• What roadblocks may you encounter?
• What do you need to do differently?
• How will you measure success?
• What action steps do you need to take to get from Point A to Point B?
• What’s the timeline?

The easiest way to work through the mapping stage is to follow these steps.

1. Start with the end in mind.  In other words, define Point B.  As you know, goals come in all shapes and sizes.  What are your goals for 2021?  Goals need to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timebound).

Common Goals:  Weight Loss, Education, Moving, New Business, Business Growth, New Job, etc.

Whatever your goals are, keep them SMART.

2. Describe Point A – where are you today?

Answer the questions under Point A.  Make sure that you spend the time evaluating where you are.  Also, think about what’s in your control vs. what’s not in your control.  Especially in 2020, there are so many things that are beyond our control and yet, how we respond makes all the difference.

3. Fill in the space between Point A and Point B which represents Phase 2.

What’s your plan – how will you get from Point A to Point B?  The easiest way to create a plan is to think about it in terms of topics (e.g., buckets).  In other words, what will take to close the gap between Point A and Point B.  Let’s look at an example.  A few years ago, I worked with a business coach to help me create a strategic plan.  For purposes of this blog, I will share some of the pieces that were part of my strategic plan.  In reviewing this plan, it’s interesting to discover that the main parts of the plan are still in existence today.  That’s a sign of a good plan; that it serves as a guide and compass to keep you on track.

Vision Statement – describes a lofty goal that is all encompassing and aspirational.

Raising the Bar is the preferred choice of leaders who are committed to high performance, profitability and building a legacy that lasts.

Mission Statement:  describes your purpose.

Raising the Bar exists to help people soar to success through discovery and change

Values:  What do you believe in?  What’s important to you?

RTB Values:

• Fun
• Creativity
• Continuous learning
• Courage
• Love

Goal:  (NOTE:  Represents Point B)

RTB Goal:  Deliver expertise in talent development and customer service for business leaders through coaching, facilitation and instructional design.

Objectives:  Identify measurable outcomes:

RTB Objectives: 

• Generate specific amount in gross revenue by specified year. Revenue is broken down into three service areas.
  • 40% Coaching
  • 40% Facilitation
  • 20% Instructional design
•   Build a strong marketing presence
  • Social Media
  • Website
  • Content development

For each objective, write out tasks that support and achieve the achieve.  Break the tasks down into small pieces so that you can stay focused, make progress and achieve results.

Plans are only as good as the work that is accomplished and goals met. Execution is the name of the game.  You can have the best plan in place and we all know that getting things done is where the rubber meets the road.

Establishing productive habits, writing things down and scheduling specific tasks that relate to your goals is super important.  Another phrase that I’ve adopted into my psyche this year is “get er done”.  If you tend to be a procrastinator or perfectionist, you run the risk of overthinking and over planning.  Remember, your work can always be improved, but the most important thing about moving ahead is taking action.

Identify planning tools that you have or would like to put into place to keep you on track.  Especially in today’s world, there are many online tools that can help you focus and stay organized.

Another helpful tip is to have an accountability partner, mentor, coach, or friend you trust and can bounce ideas off of.

The final tip is to review your plan frequently and measure your progress.

Accomplishing tasks is the best way to stay positive and control what you can.

To end where we started, go back to the “UN” words listed above and turn those same words into positive words by removing the “un” prefix.  Imagine what next year can turn into by focusing on the possibilities.  Go ahead and Get your Stick On in 2021.

“Start with the end in mind and work backwards”

Request a strategic planning worksheet and a one-hour complimentary coaching session to get you started on your 2021 plan.