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Secrets to Success
Deborah Cole Micek |
Tough changes sometimes
key to new successA common barrier to success comes up whenever you try to introduce a new system into your workday; especially after you've developed habits that you're comfortable with, even if they are somewhat destructive to your overall effectiveness in the marketplace.
This past week, a client confessed, "I know I should be doing things differently when it comes to managing my workweek, but I just can't seem to get myself out of the rut I'm in!"
As a busy business owner of a thriving company, he further explained that he's too busy trying to meet his clients' needs. Every minute that he used to focus on tracking where his time was being spent -- before he implemented the new e-mail policy that he learned in this four-part series -- seemed to take him away from doing the work that he needed to complete before he would get paid.
He admitted that he needed to implement a new system, but kept coming up with limiting beliefs that stopped any forward motion that he initiated.
Time-management tips
When you find yourself coming up with excuses as to why you can't implement an obviously successful strategy that others use effectively in their workday, you'll want to step back and recognize that it's a natural human tendency to resist anything new.Your brain has been designed to question the legitimacy of a new strategy before fully accepting it. Have you heard of a commonly accepted belief that if you do something for 21 days straight, it will become a habit?
What is really happening during this time is that your brain is allowed to adjust to this new system, appreciate that it's actually a better system and, finally, accept it and fully support your new habit.
The key to quickly overcoming the resistance to change is to honestly identify with all the pain, stress and anxiety caused by your current system of doing things.
Once you've acknowledged that your current system is in need of a revamp, you can start looking at all the benefits that your new system will give you once you implement it.
When I implemented this new e-mail system, and trained my subscribers and clients to appreciate the value of my time, I got my weekends back! This past month, I invested the extra day I've gained in some quality time enjoying the Islands.
I've been able to kayak in Kaaawa and hike in Hauula. With this extra time for myself, came extra energy I was able to spend on my coaching clients. Since I was able to give them so much more value and ideas on growing their business, I also began to attract more and more clients!
With all this extra time I freed up for myself, I'm now able to serve more clients than I previously thought I had the time for.
Deborah Cole Micek
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John-Paul Micek is the lead business coach at RPM Success Group Inc. Reach him at JPM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach and life strategist. Reach her at DCM@RPMsuccess.com or toll-free at (888) 334-8151.
Access an expanded version of this article at www.GetCoachedforFree.com.