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WHAT NOW? Wednesdays – Back to Basics

In my excitement over the increasing number of online tools, tips and resources available at my fingertips, I sometimes fall into the trap of information overload. I believe information is power and multi-tasking is a way of life for most of us, but I have to be careful not to lose sight of what’s most important in the process. Is this valuable piece of information or network going to help me produce tangible results in my work? Will it help a friend or acquaintance get a job? Will it improve my family’s finances or health? So what now?

Some of us are better than others at utilizing effective tools to maximize productivity and overcome distraction. For me, sometimes it means getting back to basics and focusing on what really matters. It might be as simple as making lists or setting up email reminders – whatever it takes to stay on track. This can apply to a job search, career, personal fitness, etc. Following are a few basics that I think are common sense yet sometimes overlooked:

1) FOCUS – Can you articulate your goals and what you need to accomplish? For example, if your goal is to get hired, you need to able to clearly communicate what you’re looking for in a job in line with what you have to offer.
2) PLAN – Do you have a measurable plan on how to reach your goals? For a job search, this might include a minimum number of networking calls and contacts per day.
3) JUST DO IT – Execute your plan and stay accountable to it.
4) BE PERSISTENT AND DON’T GIVE UP – This is another obvious one but sometimes overlooked due to seemingly reasonable excuses. No matter how bad the economy is, we’re all still accountable for actions we take. Even if a well-executed plan that has worked in the past is slow to get results, it’s important to keep on going and adjust the plan if needed. Giving up on your plan may not only keep you from reaching your goals, but it will most likely make you feel worse.

Every year about this time, I have a goal to take off some winter weight to better fit into summer clothes. This year I moved it up a few months in preparation for an early March trip to Jamaica. My plan of squeezing in 2 workouts a day and cutting out sweets and white bread has been very successful for me in previous years. But here I am 10 days away from my trip and I’m not close to reaching my goal. I honestly never imagined that executing what has worked before would not work now. But instead of feeling bad about it, I’m going to continue with my plan recognizing that I may need to make additional adjustments this year to reach my goal. I probably won’t reach it in 10 days, but I can feel good about not giving up and staying persistent.