Mandi said it last night, Joshua said it two weeks ago, and Jamie told me two years ago. “Patricia, what is so remarkable about you is your follow through. You set a goal. You make a plan. But then you actually execute on your plan and make it happen.”
I don’t know if this is so remarkable. But others seem to think it is. I execute in order to stay true to my integrity. When I tell myself I’m going to do something, if I don’t do it then I simply don’t feel good about myself. When I tell others I’m going to do something and I don’t, or even if I’m working toward it and I miss the date, I feel as if I’ve deceived them. It’s a yucky feeling. I believe in doing what I say I’ll do; I believe in the notion that “your word is your bond”. This helps me move through, take action, and execute. Not so remarkable, to me, really. Perhaps others find my execution so unusual because so many people say they are going to do something and then don’t do anything at all.
I accept these observations as sincere compliments, a recognition of a gift I’ve been given and have honed. I also recognize that execution is something that others struggle with and would like to improve in themselves. Accepting and recognizing these two things leads me logically to ask the question:
Why am I able to follow through and accomplish my goals and reach my dreams, while others struggle in this area? It boils down to five key concepts:
Receive the Dream. Then Set the Goal
- My goals start with a thought, idea, or dream (objective). The dreams I choose to work toward move me emotionally; the thought of not reaching the dream is uncomfortable or even painful. If it is something I can take or leave I’m less likely to do the work required.
- My dreams are directly connected to a purpose I’m trying to fulfill and are in line with my values. My desire to fulfill that purpose pushes me through the fear, hard work, exhaustion, or anything else that gets in the way; in this way I make progress toward the smaller goals that lead to the attainment of my dream.
Envision, Decide, and Begin
- I envision myself attaining my dream, valiantly overcoming obstacles along the way. I sense what it will be like once I’ve reached my dream. Picturing my envisioned future with all five of my senses moves me to want to do what it will take (the pretty and not so pretty stuff) to get there.
- Vision felt, I then make a conscious decision to work toward those goals that will come together and result in my dream realized.
- Then, I begin.
Assess, Recommit, or Modify Along the Way
- I assess my progress and re-evaluate my reason for going after this dream to see if it still aligns with my current circumstances. This step is repeated throughout the process, again and again.
- Then I consciously decide again to
- Continue with my current dream and goals.
- Adapt my dream and goals to account for a changed situation and/or new information.
- Stop working toward these goals and this dream altogether (if my situation has changed so much that my dream no longer is a right for me). I do this consciously and give myself permission to stop. I also communicate this change to others, if necessary, so I don’t feel guilt or shame for committing to something and then not following through.
Celebrate and Reflect
- As I reach milestones I celebrate these successes. This builds my confidence and continues momentum.
- When I reach the dream, I stop to celebrate and savor it. Allowing time for reflection helps set me up for success in working toward my future dreams.
Receive New Dream. Set New Goal.
- Start the process all over again!
These concepts help me stay focused or change my focus, when needed. They also give me permission to take myself off the hook when my dreams no longer align with my values and purpose. Being able to consciously stop is powerful because, I’ve found, it actually allows me to start in the first place.
How about you? Are you able to execute frequently? Or, do you struggle in this area? I’d love to hear your thoughts; please feel free to comment below!
Photo Credits: Nathaniel Yeo, Kinga Chichewiz, Ray Hennessey