Even the most successful of people get stuck at some point. We all do, and this can prove frustrating. Over the course of my career, I’ve gone through periods of time where everything moved forward quickly and then other times where I felt like I just couldn’t get anywhere. This is something I spend a lot of time with my clients working through. So, I thought I’d introduce you to how I help people with ‘getting unstuck.’
Many people are aware of setting SMART goals, one of the foundational principles of coaching to help a client achieve their goal(s). It helps if an attainable goal is:
S SPECIFIC
M MEASURABLE
A ACHIEVABLE
R REALISTIC
T TIMEBOUND
We often overlook in this formula our own preferences and styles and how much will we have to push ahead. Inherent motivation is fundamental if we struggle to get going and encouragement can come in so many different forms; a friend, a partner, reading an article, professional support, joining a community group – the list is endless! From my own experience, working with support is always helpful. Somebody encouraging, who champions you on. One who understands what you are trying to achieve and why you’re trying to achieve it can be just the motivation and accountability you need.
So how do we really get going? The truth is we need to be honest with ourselves and ask some tough questions.
Why am I really doing this?
Who am I doing it for?
What have I done in the past that has worked?
Who will support me and/or hold me accountable?
Recently, I have been trying to get fitter and lose weight and was fed up going around in circles. I might lose weight, but not get fitter or, get fitter but not lose weight and, as I reflected on both goals, I realised that I had to connect the goals to something bigger than just a desire. If I link losing weight to going on holiday my will and motivation soar and my goal becomes not just timebound but something that will make a huge difference to how I feel on holiday, thus becoming easier to achieve. When I linked getting fitter to entering a family triathlon, the thought of not completing and letting the team down ensured my will and motivation soared and was enough inspiration to get me off the sofa and start running. A marathon was a step too far, losing two stones in 12 weeks would be a big ask and not healthy but by setting small achievable goals and linking them to an occasion bigger than me was just the trigger I needed to get on my way. I shared my goals with a friend who is supporting me and asks me how I am getting on.
Coaching is a superb fit to help you explore goals, both large and small, that you want to achieve in any area. This will encourage you to look at your own trigger points, past and present, to enable success and to look at any self-limiting beliefs holding you back. Once you apply the SMART formula and link with your own motivation and will, you will be well on your way and can reapply this formula in most situations to help you get unstuck.
Mentoring is also a good choice to help you achieve goals. Finding a mentor who has experience and knowledge in the area you wish to progress will encourage a spirit of self-reliance in you, increase confidence and help evaluate what is and isn’t working to bring accountability and support to help achieve the outcome together.
We live in the ‘digital’ world that is constantly changing and, as we evolve with it, a trusted coach, mentor or friend might just be the solution you are looking for.
Gayle Cattanach Consultancy would be delighted to help you in areas you are seeking to get unstuck.
