It’s time to consolidate all the hard work you’ve done throughout Jumpstart January.
Look back over what you’ve done from intention setting to strengthening your team. What have you learned about your wider circle of support and what do you need to let go of?
With these things under your belt, you’re now ready for this week’s question, which is a natural progression:
What skills do you need to drive you forward?
This might seem like an overwhelming question at first so here are two things (plus a bonus) you can do to focus your view:
- Get into a regular stop/start/continue habit. Take 30 minutes each week and record what you’re going to Stop; what you’re going to Start and what you’re going to Continue. Then think about what you will do more of, and what you’d like to do less of.
- Draw a big T on the page. Label the top left WWW (what went well) and on the right EBI (even better if). Brainstorm your ideas below each heading – and let your thoughts flow. Look at the list and make a note of what made you feel good and then your ideas for how you could make it even better.
- And as a bonus, give yourself an overall score out of 10. How has your week gone?
By doing this regularly, you can spot the patterns that develop over time. This is so important because it allows us to better understand what we do and why we do it. It also tells us what we’re struggling with and where we need help.
Our skill gaps become apparent and we learn lessons about where our energy is best spent.
After you’ve completed the task, look back and ask:
- What have you noticed?
- What have you learned?
- What is your next step?
Make it work for you
Too often we run from one thing to the next without taking time to reflect on both our successes and the things we’d like to improve.
The most effective business owners embrace the mindset of lifelong learning. So now is the time to pause and reflect on what skills or knowledge you need to build on and refresh.
Be open-minded about what you need
Don’t overlook soft skills: the emotional, communicative and relationship skills that bring the more cerebral work to life. You could have the best strategy ever, for example, but if you can’t bring everyone else along with you long-term, it’s not going to stick.
As humans, we read between the lines and it’s in these spaces that we find loyalty, passion, purpose and creativity – all things that give us the cutting edge. What better business imperative is there?
We’re in this with you
Our clients love working with a coach. It helps them to stay accountable and true to their word. They can explore their purpose and priorities and maybe change tack if necessary. When you feel like you need someone to walk alongside you, then give us a call and see how we can help.
Of course, don’t forget to check LinkedIn at the end of the week to see our progress.