Overcoming stalled goals

Ever have a goal or task on your to-do list that just keeps lingering week after week?

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Me too…

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Last Monday, as I wrote “pitch podcasts” on my to-do list for the week, I realized - I’ve been moving that forward every week for more than 6 months 😬.

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I’ve pitched exactly 1 podcast in that time and I never followed up after my initial inquiry.

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I haven’t taken action on that goal, but I haven’t let it go either.

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As I was journaling this morning, I recalled a powerful question from yesterday’s Wonder session that resonated with my podcast pitching sitch:

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“What’s pushing on the gas for this goal, and what’s pushing on the brakes.”

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In other words - why do I want to do this enough that I keep it on my to-do list, and what’s getting in the way of actually doing it?

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At a time when most of us are constantly balancing priorities and choosing where to focus our time and attention, it’s common for some goals and action items to take a back seat.

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But, if some of those backseat riders are starting to feel like they deserve more of your attention, or starting to feel more like baggage than opportunity, it’s a good time to ask:

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What’s pushing on the gas? Why do you keep moving them forward on the to-do list?

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What’s pushing on the brakes? What’s getting in the way of actually prioritizing them?

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As I sit with these questions myself regarding podcast pitching, I realize:

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Gas Pedal:

• It could bring more opportunities to do one of my favorite things - talk about leading with a focus on the human side of work.
• It would help me connect with the people who are aligned with my work.
• I think it would be super fun!

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Brake Pedal:

• There’s no way to know how it will turn out until I actually do it.
• I haven’t made a solid plan for how to fit it into my week.
• It’s new, and building that skillset feels a bit heavy.

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With just a bit of clarity, I can more confidently decide - do I keep it on the list or let it go? If I keep it, what’s the next step?

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Over to you! What’s on your list that might benefit from a quick reflection with these questions?

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Much love,

Laura

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PS - I did decide to keep podcast pitching on this list. I also decided to hire someone to help me move it forward. I don’t have the skillset, and I don’t need to figure it out on my own. If one of your “brakes” is resources, enlisting someone else’s expertise might be your next best step.

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PPS - Need any support with team engagement or supporting the human side of work? I’d love to chat! - let’s connect! Book a time to chat here.​

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PPPS - Have you checked out Wonder yet? If not, what are you waiting for? I swear it gets better every month! Learn more about it and sign up here.

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