I bet if I started with a notebook I could figure this out” process? I bet you do. And I'm betting if you bring that tool to this new challenge, you'll also find that you are more likely to be bringing your “A” game!
Whenever I get confused about a project, I find myself pulling out a standard 8 ½ x 11 notebook, creating a series of tabs, and working with some good old-fashioned lined paper to create a focus, an outline, and a timetable. I’ve come to realize that if I can’t name the tabs, I don’t actually have a plan. And once I have named the tabs, I can quickly see the plan taking shape. Many of you would never organize a project that way. But I do it because it works!
When coaching clients and friends, I find it is helpful to ask – “Where do you already excel? Is it an athletic endeavor, hosting events, managing a spreadsheet?” Whatever it is, stop and think about the thought process, the discipline, the steps, the questions, and the adjustments you make to do that “one thing” really, really well.
Now, think about a new task you are trying to master or an area of your life in which you are struggling. What process steps could you bring over from the things that you do really well into this one area where you are struggling? Do you have a “Gosh, I bet if I started with a notebook, I could figure this out” process? I bet you do. And I’m betting if you bring that tool to this new challenge, you’ll also find that you are more likely to be bringing your “A” game!
We’d love to hear what tools get you started and how you consistently bring your ‘A’ game to your work. Until next time.
