Tracking progress and noticing what we’re achieving is just as
relevant to the day to day when we’re following our to-do lists, as it is to
thinking about our bigger goals.
The day to day
Isn’t it so easy to get to the end of the day more aware of all the things you
still need to get done, than of what you’ve achieved? Even more so when we’re
interrupted and need to deal with items that weren’t on our to-do list in the
first place. It’s hard to go home feeling chuffed with your day and ready to
enjoy putting your feet up when that’s going on. Stop. Take stock. Notice all
the good stuff you’ve achieved (even if it wasn’t on your original to-do list
for the day).
Tracking activity and results
When I’m working with sales people around this, I notice how disheartening it
is when there are lots of irons in the fire, but nothing over the line yet –
particularly when the only measure of progress is actual sales. I recommend
focusing on the actions they’re taking as much as the sales they’re making.
Noticing what they’ve put in place helps them see the progress and to feel
better. Why does that matter? Because when we don’t feel good, we don’t do
well. It’s rather chicken and egg, but I have experienced it time and time
again. When I feel good and acknowledge what’s working, more of the good stuff
comes. I’m sure you’ve noticed that too.
What is working well?
What feels good? What are you pleased with?
Encourage your brain to
do more of the good stuff
Your brain also learns from what you pay attention to. While much of what is
happening on the inside is unconscious and automatic, we can influence that to
some degree. Think about what happens when you imagine biting into a juicy
wedge of lemon, the juice spraying over your tongue, and your mouth pursing at
the tang. What happens? Saliva starts to collect in your mouth – it’s happening
to me even as I’m typing the story! This happens because your conscious
attention is on one thing, and your body and unconscious responses are
following suit – automatically.
I talk to clients about this a lot because we tend to be much better at
noticing all the stuff we’re not good at or want to improve, than what is
already working well. Someone may habitually think about the parts of their job
they find difficult at the moment, which triggers stress, rather than thinking
about how they are doing the bulk of their job really well. Their body is
experiencing it like they’re completely failing. Do you really want your brain
to keep repeating that stressy feeling and building more negative (and
inaccurate) evidence?
It just makes sense to pay attention to what you want more of. For example, you
could notice how you’re a little nervous before you start your presentation at
work, OR you could notice how well prepared you are. Which one will add
positive energy, and which one will take it away? And which one would you like
your mind and body to repeat for you later? The nerves or the savvy
preparation?
Easy tips
Check out these tips and see what you want to take on board:
- At
the end of your work day, take two minutes to log what you’ve achieved in
your day (whether it was on your original to-do list for the day or not).
What are you pleased you have achieved?
- If
you are working on changing a habit, improving an area of your life or
developing a new skill, be sure to track your progress and notice each
day, or at least every few days. I do this when I get into bed, with
a notebook and pen handy to make it easy. Ask yourself – What
has been working well today? What feels good? What am I pleased with?
- Take
time to celebrate wins with your team. It’s easy to gloss over the good
stuff and get back into the next challenge on the list before you’ve taken
a breath. Half the reason this happens is because we forget what we’re
doing it all for – and some of that is the reward and satisfaction of
achieving the goal, helping a customer, essentially making a difference in
some way. I can’t tell you how often I hear staff say that they’ve
barely finished one project and it’s on to the next, and no one seems to
give a brass razoo for the effort they’ve gone to. Did anyone notice
what I did this month?!
Daily Practices for a Happy Life
AFTERNOON SPRING RETREAT
I will be sharing valuable practical ways to bring more enjoyment and energy into your day, along with (much to my delight!) much loved yoga teacher, Karla Brodie offering simple and delicious restorative practices to enhance vitality. You don't want to miss this!
It is a blend of savvy NLP tools, mindfulness and restful yoga practices to give you an overflowing toolkit of calm. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Suitable for men and women, the afternoon will leave you feeling refreshed and restored, and inspired to take that calm and renewed energy home with you.
Daily Practices for a Happy Life - Afternoon Spring Retreat
1-5pm Saturday 8 November
Kawai Purapura, Albany, Auckland
$120 per person including workbook and refreshments.
Find out more here, or simply email us to book – [email protected].
Karen Ross
Coach – Trainer – Speaker
www.startwithyou.co