Tag Goal Setting

Being More Productive as We Begin 2026

Steve Keating Leave a comment

A new year has a way of resetting our perspective. As 2026 begins, productivity isn’t about doing more for the sake of busyness—it’s about doing what matters with clarity, intention, and sustainability. The past few years have taught many of us that burnout is easy to reach and hard to recover from. This year, productivity should feel supportive, not exhausting.

Here are practical, realistic ways to be more productive as we step into 2026—without losing ourselves in the process.

Redefine What “Productive” Means

Productivity is often mistaken for constant motion. In reality, it’s about progress. Being productive might mean completing one meaningful task instead of ten shallow ones. It could mean resting so you can show up stronger tomorrow.

As you begin the year, ask yourself:

What outcomes actually matter to me this year?

What activities move me closer to those outcomes?

What can I let go of?

When productivity is tied to purpose, it becomes easier to focus—and easier to say no. So never allow yourself to think that being busy is the same as being productive. I would submit to you that if you didn’t get closer to a goal on any particular day, then no matter how busy you were, you were not productive that day.

Start With Fewer Goals

There’s a temptation at the start of a new year to set ambitious, packed goal lists. The problem? Too many goals compete for your attention and dilute your energy.

Instead, choose:

One primary focus for the year

Two or three supporting goals

This creates direction without being overwhelmed. You can always add more later, but starting small increases your chances of follow through.

Build Systems, Not Just Motivation

Motivation is unreliable. Systems are dependable.

Rather than asking, “How can I stay motivated?” ask:

How can I make this easier?

What routine supports this habit?

What reminder or structure keeps me consistent?

For example, instead of relying on motivation to work out, place your workout time directly after an existing habit, like waking up or finishing work. Productivity grows when actions become automatic.

Plan Your Days the Night Before

One of the simplest productivity habits is planning for tomorrow today.

At the end of each day:

Write down your top three priorities for tomorrow

Identify the most important task and plan when you’ll do it

Clear mental clutter by writing everything else down

This allows you to start your day with intention instead of reaction. You’ll spend less time deciding what to do and more time actually doing it.

Focus on Energy, Not Just Time

Time management matters, but energy management matters more. Pay attention to when you feel most focused, creative, or alert.

Ask yourself:

When do I do my best thinking?

When do I feel drained?

What tasks require high energy vs. low energy?

Schedule demanding work during your peak energy hours and reserve lighter tasks for slower moments. Productivity improves when your schedule works with your body, not against it.

Reduce Digital Distractions

In 2026, distractions are more refined than ever. Notifications, endless content, and constant connectivity quietly drain attention.

Simple steps can make a big difference:

Turn off non-essential notifications

Set specific times to check email or social media

Create “focus blocks” with your phone out of reach

You don’t need more willpower—you need fewer interruptions.

Leave Room for Rest

Rest is not the enemy of productivity; it’s the foundation of it.

If your schedule is packed with no margin, productivity will eventually collapse. Build in:

Breaks throughout the day

Days without heavy commitments

Time to reflect and reset

Rest allows your mind to process, your creativity to recharge, and your motivation to return naturally.

Reflect Regularly

Productivity isn’t something you set once in January and forget. It’s something you refine.

At the end of each week or month, reflect:

What worked well?

What felt draining or unnecessary?

What needs adjusting?

Small course corrections throughout the year lead to big improvements over time.

Move Forward With Intention

As 2026 begins, remember that productivity isn’t about perfection. You will have slow days, off weeks, and moments when plans fall apart. That doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.

Choose progress over pressure. Choose clarity over chaos. And most importantly, choose a version of productivity that supports the life you want to live—not one that consumes it.

Here’s to a more focused, balanced, and intentional 2026.

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How to Evaluate Yourself as a Leader: A Practical Guide to Self-Assessment

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Leadership is a never-ending journey of growth. It requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. That’s why evaluating yourself as a leader is so crucial to your long-term success. Self-evaluation is a powerful way to identify your strengths, uncover areas for development, and ensure you’re effectively guiding your team toward success. In this post, we’ll look at practical steps to assess your leadership skills, reflect on your impact, and set a course for growth.

Why Self-Evaluation Matters for Leaders

Self-evaluation is more than just a personal check-in; it’s a proactive step to align your actions with your values and goals. By regularly assessing your leadership, you can:

• Gain Clarity: Understand how your behaviors and decisions impact your team.

• Build Trust: Demonstrate accountability by recognizing and addressing your weaknesses.

• Drive Growth: Identify opportunities to enhance your skills and leadership style.

• Inspire Others: Model self-reflection, encouraging your team to grow alongside you.

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to evaluating yourself as a leader.

Step 1: Define Your Leadership Values and Goals

Before you can evaluate your performance, you need a clear benchmark. Start by reflecting on your core leadership values and goals:

• What kind of leader do you want to be? Are you aiming to be collaborative, decisive, empathetic, or innovative? Perhaps all of the above? Write down 3-5 core values that define your leadership philosophy.

• What are your goals? Consider both short-term objectives (e.g., improving team communication) and long-term aspirations (e.g., fostering a culture of innovation).

• How do these align with your organization’s mission? Ensure your personal leadership goals support the broader vision of your team or company.

Action Tip: Create a “Leadership Mission Statement” that encapsulates your values and goals. For example: “I strive to lead with empathy and clarity, empowering my team to achieve excellence while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.” Post your mission statement where others can see it. That will help create accountability and build a bridge to step 2.

Step 2: Seek Feedback from Others

Self-evaluation is incomplete without external perspectives. Others can provide insights into how your leadership is perceived and its impact on the team. Here’s how to gather meaningful feedback:

• Ask for 360-degree feedback: Collect input from peers, direct reports, and supervisors. Use anonymous surveys or one-on-one conversations to encourage honesty.

• Ask specific questions: Instead of vague prompts like “How am I doing?”, ask targeted questions such as:

• “What’s one thing I do well as a leader?”

• “What’s one area where I could improve my support for the team?”

• Listen without defensiveness: Approach feedback with an open mind, focusing on growth rather than justification.

Action Tip: Use a tool like Google Forms or a platform like SurveyMonkey to create a simple, anonymous feedback survey. Schedule follow-up discussions with your team to clarify feedback and show your commitment to acting on it.

Step 3: Assess Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

I’m really close to saying that EQ is even more important for a leader than IQ. That’s because emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of effective leadership. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and relationship management. To evaluate your EQ:

• Self-Awareness: Reflect on how well you understand your emotions and their impact on your decisions. Do you recognize when stress or frustration affects your leadership?

• Self-Regulation: Consider how you handle challenges. Do you stay calm under pressure, or do you react impulsively?

• Empathy: Ask yourself how well you understand and respond to your team’s needs. Do you actively listen and show genuine care for their perspectives?

• Relationship Management: Evaluate your ability to build trust, resolve conflicts, and inspire collaboration.

Action Tip: Take an online EQ assessment, such as the Emotional Intelligence Appraisal by TalentSmart, or journal about a recent leadership challenge to analyze how your emotions influenced your actions.

Step 4: Review Your Decision-Making and Results

Leadership is often judged by outcomes. Evaluate your decision-making process and the results of your leadership:

• Decision-Making Process: Are your decisions informed, inclusive, and aligned with your values? Do you seek different perspectives before acting?

• Impact on Team Performance: Look at measurable outcomes, such as team productivity, morale, or project success. Have your actions led to positive results?

• Adaptability: Reflect on how you handle change or uncertainty. Do you pivot effectively when faced with challenges?

Action Tip: Review a recent project or initiative you led. Write down what went well, what didn’t, and one decision you would approach differently next time. Use this to identify patterns in your leadership style.

Step 5: Evaluate Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is critical for leadership success. Assess how well you convey ideas, listen, and encourage open dialogue.

• Clarity: Do you articulate goals and expectations clearly? Are your instructions easy to understand?

• Active Listening: Do you genuinely listen to your team’s ideas and concerns, or do you dominate conversations?

• Feedback Delivery: Are you constructive and specific when providing feedback? Do you balance praise with areas for improvement?

Action Tip: Record a team meeting (with permission) or ask a trusted colleague to observe your communication style. Note areas where you excel or could improve, such as body language or tone.

Step 6: Reflect on Your Team’s Growth and Engagement

A leader’s success is tied to their team’s growth and motivation. Evaluate how you are fostering a positive and productive environment:

• Team Development: Are you providing opportunities for your team to learn and grow? Do you delegate effectively to build their skills?

• Engagement: Are team members motivated and committed? Do they feel valued and empowered?

• Culture: What kind of culture are you creating? Is it inclusive, collaborative, and aligned with your values?

Action Tip: Conduct a “stay interview” with team members to understand what keeps them engaged and what could improve their experience. Use their insights to assess your impact as a leader.

Step 7: Set Goals for Improvement

Self-evaluation is only effective if it leads to action. Based on your reflections and feedback, identify 1-3 areas for improvement and create a plan:

• Be Specific: Instead of “I’ll be a better communicator,” aim for “I’ll practice active listening by summarizing team members’ points in meetings.”

• Set Measurable Goals: For example, “I will implement monthly one-on-one check-ins with my team to improve engagement.”

• Seek Resources: Consider leadership training, books (e.g., The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni), or a mentor to support your growth.

Action Tip: Create a 30-60-90-day plan outlining specific actions you will take to improve. Review your progress regularly to stay accountable.

Step 8: Make Self-Evaluation a Habit

Leadership evaluation isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing practice. Build self-reflection into your routine:

• Daily Reflection: Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day journaling about a leadership moment—what went well and what could be better.

• Monthly Check-Ins: Revisit your leadership mission statement and goals to ensure you’re on track.

• Annual Deep Dive: Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment, including 360-degree feedback, to measure your growth over time.

Action Tip: Use a journal or app like Evernote to track your reflections and progress. Set calendar reminders for monthly and annual check-ins.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating yourself as a leader requires honesty, humility, and a commitment to growth. By defining your values, seeking feedback, assessing your emotional intelligence, and reflecting on your impact, you can gain a clear picture of your strengths and areas for improvement.

The goal isn’t perfection but progress—each step you take toward becoming a better leader inspires your team and drives meaningful results. As you become a more effective leader, your team becomes more effective as well. And never forget, not even for a moment, that your leadership is not about you; it’s ALL about the people you lead.

So, take the first step today: carve out 15 minutes to reflect on one aspect of your leadership, such as how you handled a recent challenge. Then, commit to one small action to improve. Your team—and your future self—will thank you for it.

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How to Take Control of Your Life

Steve Keating Leave a comment

It’s easy to get stuck in the floaty trap. You know the one, the one that feels like you’re just floating along, letting life happen to you instead of making things happen yourself.

It can be a pretty comfortable feeling until it’s not. Eventually, we get frustrated with floating because, while it feels pretty good, we have little to no control over where we end up.

When we “float” we are subject to the whims of other people and circumstances that we’ve chosen to not control. Floating is a pretty common feeling, and it is easy to stay there way longer than you should. But floating does not have to be a permanent condition.

YOU can take control of your life!

Taking control of your life is about making a conscious decision to be the driver, not the passenger in your life’s journey. It’s about being intentional with your choices and actions, big and small.

Here’s how to start taking control of your life.

Define What “Control” Means to You

First, you need to understand what taking control looks like for you personally. It’s absolutely not the same for everyone. When you get married, for instance, you are willingly and lovingly giving up at least some control to your partner.

So for you, is control about your career? Your health? Your relationships? Your finances? It’s likely a combination of these things and maybe more, but identifying the key areas that feel out of whack is the first step. Grab a notebook, iPad, or whatever, and jot down the parts of your life that feel most chaotic or uncontrolled. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about clarity.

Set Intentional Goals

Once you’ve identified the areas you want to work on, it’s time to set some goals. These shouldn’t be vague wishes. A good goal is SMART:

• Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?

• Measurable: How will you track your progress?

• Achievable: Is this goal realistic for you right now?

• Relevant: Does this goal align with your values and what you want for your life?

• Time-bound: When do you want to achieve this by?

For example, instead of “I want to get healthy,” try “I will walk for 30 minutes three times a week for the next month.”

Embrace Small Actions

The idea of “taking control” can feel overwhelming. The key is to start small. A big change is just a series of small, consistent actions. If your goal is to save more money, start by packing your lunch once a week instead of buying it. If you want to learn a new skill, commit to 15 minutes of practice a day. These small wins build momentum and confidence, proving to yourself that you are capable of making a change.

Practice Self-Awareness

One of the most powerful tools for taking control is self-awareness. It’s about understanding your habits, triggers, and emotions. Why do you procrastinate? What makes you feel stressed? What are you truly passionate about? The more you understand yourself, the better you can navigate your life’s challenges. Journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes each day to reflect can help you develop this awareness.

Take Responsibility (Without Blame)

This is a tough one, but it’s essential. Taking control means taking responsibility for your choices, ALL your choices, and their outcomes. This is not about blaming yourself for past mistakes. Instead, it’s about acknowledging your role in your current situation. For example, if you’re not happy with your job, instead of blaming your boss or the company, ask yourself, “What can I do to change this situation?” Maybe it’s updating your resume, networking, or taking a course to learn new skills. This shift in perspective is incredibly empowering.

Taking control of your life isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous practice. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. By defining your goals, starting with small actions, practicing self-awareness, and taking responsibility, you can begin to steer your life in the direction you want to go.

Things still will not always go your way, but YOU have the power to change directions as many times as are required to put yourself exactly where you want to be. Now that’s control!

So, where will you start?

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All About Goals

Steve Keating Leave a comment

If you’re a golf fan, then odds are you’ve watched golf on TV or maybe even attended a tournament or two. Just imagine watching your favorite player bombing a drive down the middle of the fairway and then hitting their approach shot within a foot of—a foot of nothing because there was no hole on the green. Nothing to shoot for, no way to finish the hole, no point in playing at all.

That seems foolish, doesn’t it? Putting all that work in to master hitting a golf ball long and straight. Then practicing endlessly to control the ball so you can stop it on the putting surface. And then…and then there is no then.

It’s like baseball with the base. Basketball without the basket. Football without the ball. And it’s like life without goals.

Now imagine waking up each day with a clear sense of purpose, knowing exactly what you’re working toward in your career, relationships, health, and personal growth. How cool would that be? That’s the magic of setting goals—not just in one area, but across every area of your life.

Goals are your roadmap, guiding you through the chaos of daily demands and helping you build a life that’s balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with your core values. It’s just a whole lot easier to keep going when things get tough when you know exactly where it is that you’re going to end up.

Having true goals is absolutely transformative. They transform an ordinary life into an extraordinary one. Here’s how.

1. Goals Give You Clarity and Direction

Life can feel like a mishmash of responsibilities, distractions, unexpected and sometimes, unending challenges. Without goals, it’s easy to drift aimlessly, reacting to whatever comes your way. Setting goals in areas like career, health, relationships, finances, and personal development gives you a North Star to follow. They help you define what success looks like for you—whether it’s landing a dream job, running a marathon, or deepening your connection with loved ones.

For example, a career goal might be to earn a promotion within two years, while a personal goal could be to read one book a month for self-growth. These targets provide clarity, so you’re not just “going through the motions” but actively steering your life toward meaningful outcomes.

It is amazing how many people can’t easily define what success means to them, that’s the telltale sign they lack true goals.

2. They Create Balance Across Your Life

Focusing on just one area—like pouring all your energy into work—can leave other parts of your life neglected, leading to burnout, strained relationships, or declining health. Goals in multiple areas encourage balance. By setting intentions for physical fitness (e.g., exercising three times a week), mental well-being (e.g., practicing mindfulness daily), and relationships (e.g., scheduling weekly family time), you ensure that no part of your life is left behind.

Think of your life like a wheel, with spokes representing health, career, relationships, spirituality, and more. If one spoke is missing or weak, the wheel wobbles. Setting clear goals keeps the wheel turning smoothly, helping you live a well-rounded life.

3. Goals Fuel Motivation and Progress

There’s something super motivating about working towards something you’re passionate about. Goals give you a reason to get out of bed, even on tough days. They break down big dreams into manageable steps, making progress feel achievable. For instance, if your financial goal is to save $10,000 for a home down payment, you can create smaller milestones, like saving $500 a month. Each step forward builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment.

This applies to every area of life. A health goal to lose 20 pounds becomes less daunting when you focus on eating more vegetables daily. A relationship goal to reconnect with friends feels doable when you commit to one coffee date a month. These small wins keep you motivated and remind you that progress is possible.

4. They Help You Prioritize and Manage Time

Time is limited, and without clear goals, it’s easy to waste it on distractions or obligations that do nothing for you. When you have goals across different areas, you’re forced to prioritize. You start saying “no” to things that don’t align with your vision and “yes” to what moves you closer to your goals.

For example, if you’re aiming to improve your mental health by journaling nightly, you might cut back on mindless scrolling. If your career goal is to learn a new skill, you’ll carve out time for online courses instead of overcommitting to social events. Goals act like a filter, helping you allocate your time and efforts wisely.

5. Goals Foster Resilience and Growth

Life isn’t a straight path—setbacks, failures, and obstacles are inevitable. Goals give you something to hold onto during tough times. They remind you why you’re pushing forward, whether it’s to build a stronger body, a thriving business, or a closer family. Even when you hit a snag, working towards a goal is like a superpower that teaches you resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Plus, pursuing goals in diverse areas encourages personal growth. A spiritual goal to practice gratitude might deepen your perspective, while a creative goal to write a book could unlock hidden talents. Each goal is like a stepping stone, helping you grow into a more awesome, capable version of yourself!

6. They Align Your Life with Your Values

At their core, goals are about living intentionally. When you set them thoughtfully across all areas—career, health, relationships, finances, personal growth, and beyond—they reflect what matters most to you. This alignment gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that’s hard to find otherwise.

For instance, if family is a core value, a goal to have weekly game nights ensures you’re investing in those bonds. If independence drives you, a financial goal to pay off debt puts you on that path.

Without goals, it’s easy to drift aimlessly, swayed by external pressures or fleeting whims. Goals anchor you to your values, ensuring your life reflects who you are and what you stand for.

How to Start Setting Goals in All Areas

Ready to unlock the full potential of goal-setting? Here’s a super easy way to do it:

1.Reflect on Key Areas: Consider categories like health, career, relationships, finances, personal growth, spirituality, and hobbies. Ask yourself, “What would make this area of my life feel more fulfilling?”

2. Set SMART Goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of “getting fit,” aim for “walking 30 minutes five days a week for three months.”

3. Start Small: Don’t overwhelm yourself with dozens of goals. Pick one or two per area to focus on, ensuring they’re realistic and meaningful.

4. Track and Adjust: Review your progress regularly—weekly or monthly—and tweak your goals as needed. Life changes, and your goals should evolve with it.

5. Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small. Rewarding yourself reinforces motivation and makes the journey enjoyable.

The Ripple Effect of True Goals

When you set goals in all areas of life, they start to work together like a well-oiled machine! A health goal to sleep better boosts your energy for work. A career goal to network more introduces you to friends who enrich your social life. A personal growth goal to practice patience strengthens your relationships. This interconnectedness creates a positive ripple effect, where progress in one area lifts the others too.

Goals aren’t only about reaching objectives; they’re about becoming the best version of yourself. They give you a roadmap to live a purposeful, balanced, and joyful life. So begin today to dream big and plan out what you want in every aspect of your life. Your future self will most definitely thank you!

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The Importance of a Strong Work Ethic – Part One

Steve Keating 2 Comments

When I’m wearing my mentor hat, one of the questions I’m often asked is, “How do I ask for a raise?” I’ll let the person asking the question know that I have some good ideas on that subject. But I also tell them that determining how to ask for a raise depends mightily on whether or not they have earned a raise.

A surprisingly high percentage of people are puzzled by my response. Incredibly (at least to me) the concept of earning a raise actually hadn’t occurred to many of them. They wanted to ask for a raise because they needed a raise.

They had outspent their income and were now expecting their employer to fix that for them. As you might imagine, many of the people who asked me how to ask for a raise were disappointed with this entire conversation.

But not all.

Some asked what they could do to earn a raise. My immediate response was, “strengthen your work ethic.” It didn’t matter how good they thought their work ethic was; if they wanted to earn more, they would need to do more to get it. That’s a pretty basic concept, but it doesn’t need to be more complicated than that.

A strong work ethic isn’t just important when asking for a raise; it is crucial for personal, professional, and societal success. Here are the key reasons why.

1. Personal Development

Discipline and Responsibility: A strong work ethic fosters self-discipline, helping individuals stay committed to their goals and responsibilities.

Self-Respect: Achieving goals through hard work builds confidence and pride in one’s abilities.

Time Management: It encourages the effective use of time, balancing tasks, and reducing procrastination.

2. Professional Growth

Reliability: Employers value individuals who consistently meet deadlines and deliver quality work.

Career Advancement: Hardworking individuals are more likely to be recognized, promoted, and trusted with leadership roles.

Skill Development: Regular dedication to tasks helps sharpen skills and gain expertise.

3. Building Relationships

Trust: A strong work ethic makes one dependable in personal and professional relationships.

Teamwork: Hardworking individuals inspire and motivate colleagues, enhancing collaboration.

Reputation: A good work ethic builds a positive reputation, opening doors to new opportunities.

4. Contributing to Society

Economic Productivity: People with a strong work ethic drive innovation and efficiency, benefiting the economy.

Cultural Influence: They set an example for others, promoting values like perseverance and responsibility.

Community Well-Being: By contributing their skills and efforts, they help build stronger, more resilient communities.

5. Resilience and Adaptability

Handling Challenges: Hardworking individuals are better equipped to face and overcome obstacles.

Consistency: They maintain their efforts even in difficult times, ensuring steady progress.

Ultimately, a strong work ethic is a cornerstone for achieving goals, maintaining integrity, and contributing positively to the world around us. So our next post will focus on “the how” of building a strong work ethic. One that will carry you through the challenging times we all face once in a while.

It’ll be worth your time… I guarantee it. 🙂

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Motivating Yourself When You’re Not Particularly Motivated

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Sometimes I feel like doing nothing. I’m pretty good at it too. And to be clear, sometimes doing nothing is the most productive thing I can do. From time to time, we should all do nothing. As humans, we need time to recharge, reflect, and reinvigorate. It helps us be more productive when we decide to do something.

There are also times when we must get something done when nothing is what we would prefer to do. It is in those times that we must find a way to motivate ourselves.

It can be tough to motivate yourself when you’re not feeling it. But there are some things you can try to boost your enthusiasm and motivation. Let’s take a look at those below.

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

⁃ Large tasks can feel overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Break them into smaller, manageable steps and focus on completing one at a time. Progress, no matter how small, can build momentum.

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

⁃ Define specific goals for what you want to accomplish. Vague goals can make tasks feel pointless, while clear objectives help you stay focused and provide a sense of direction.

3. Use the “5-Minute Rule”

⁃ Commit to working on something for just 5 minutes. Often, the hardest part is starting, and once you’re in the flow, you’re more likely to continue.

4. Reward Yourself

⁃ Set up small rewards for completing tasks. This could be something as simple as taking a short break, enjoying a snack, or doing something you enjoy. This helps create positive associations with progress.

5. Change Your Environment

⁃ Sometimes a change in environment can stimulate motivation. Whether it’s working from a different room or going to a café, a new setting can refresh your mind and improve focus.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

⁃ Don’t be too hard on yourself when you’re not feeling motivated. Motivation fluctuates, and it’s okay to have down moments. Be kind to yourself and remember that you can always try again tomorrow. Just make sure there aren’t too many “tomorrows” in a row.

7. Remember Your “Why”

⁃ Reconnect with the reason you started. Reminding yourself of the long-term benefits (or the bigger picture) behind your efforts can reignite your motivation.

8. Limit Distractions

⁃ Identify what typically distracts you and try to minimize it. Whether it’s turning off notifications on your phone or setting boundaries with people around you. Creating a focused environment can help you stay on track.

9. Visualize Success

⁃ Picture yourself having completed the task or achieved your goal. Visualizing success can inspire confidence and make the end result feel more attainable.

10. Stay Consistent

⁃ Motivation isn’t always there, but consistency is key. Develop a habit of showing up for yourself even when you don’t feel like it. Over time, the habit itself will carry you through periods of low motivation.

Each of these ideas can help you get your butt off the couch and turn a lazy day into a productive one. Even when nothing seems like a perfectly fine thing to do.

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How to Always Do the Next Right Thing

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I’ve been truly blessed with incredibly wise mentors throughout my life. These are people who cared enough about me to be honest. They were skilled enough communicators to deliver challenging coaching to me in a way I could accept it. They were smart enough to not ever attempt to make a decision for me. They provided all the pluses and minuses of a given decision and then stepped back to allow me to decide.

One of the best pieces of advice came from perhaps the best salesperson who ever lived. I mean that literally. His name was Tom. He sold billions of dollars’ worth of his product throughout his career to always delighted clients. I was at a point in my own career where I was feeling a little “stuck.” I wasn’t sure what I should do, so I went to Tom and asked him what he thought.

He said he couldn’t tell me specifically what to do, but in his opinion, I should do the next right thing. I had received some “interesting” coaching from Tom in the past, but this particular information seemed more “interesting” than ever. I replied to Tom that if I knew what the next right thing to do was, I wouldn’t be stuck. I also wouldn’t be asking him for advice.

He was undaunted. He said that somewhere within me I knew what the next right thing was. He said if I didn’t know, I had all the skills and knowledge needed to figure it out on my own. It was frustrating advice, but as he helped me work through my thought process, it became clear that as usual, he was correct.

He simply reminded me what I knew and where I wanted to go in life. He reviewed my Core Values with me and assured me that “the next right thing” would be found in those values and in my goals.

Determining the next right thing to do is a continual process that involves a combination of self-awareness, goal-setting, and review, prioritization, and reflection. Here’s a step-by-step guide that Tom shared with me to help me navigate this process.

1. Define or Review Your Goals

• Set Specific Goals: Break down your overarching goal into smaller, manageable tasks.

• Time-bound: Assign deadlines to each task to create a sense of urgency and structure.

2. Assess Your Current Situation

• Self-Assessment: Evaluate where you currently stand in relation to your goals.

• Identify Obstacles: Recognize any challenges or barriers that may impede your progress.

3. Prioritize Tasks

• Urgency vs. Importance: Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance.

• High-Impact Activities: Focus on tasks that will have the most significant impact on your progress.

4. Break Down Tasks

• Small Steps: Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

• Actionable Items: Ensure each step is actionable and can be accomplished in a reasonable timeframe.

5. Stay Organized

• Planning Tools: Use planners, calendars, or project management tools to keep track of your tasks and deadlines.

• Daily Review: Review your plan daily to stay on track and make adjustments as needed.

6. Maintain Flexibility

• Adaptability: Be willing to adjust your plans as new information or opportunities arise.

• Continuous Learning: Be open to learning and improving your approach based on feedback and results.

7. Seek Feedback

• Mentorship: Seek advice from mentors or peers who’ve had experience in your area of focus.

• Reflect: Regularly reflect on your progress and identify areas for improvement.

8. Take Action

• Commitment: Commit to taking action, even if it’s imperfect. The act of moving forward is crucial.

• Consistency: Regular, consistent action, even if small, leads to progress over time.

9. Evaluate and Reflect

• Review Progress: Periodically review what you’ve accomplished.

• Learn from Mistakes: Identify what didn’t work and learn from those experiences to refine your approach.

10. Stay Motivated

• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate small wins to stay motivated.

• Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive attitude and focus on the progress you’ve made, not just what’s left to do.

Practical Example

Let’s say your goal is to write a book. Here’s how you can apply the steps:

1. Define Clear Goals: Set a goal to write a 300-page book within a year.

2. Assess Your Current Situation: Determine your writing speed and available time.

3. Prioritize Tasks: Outline the book’s chapters and prioritize writing the most critical sections first.

4. Break Down Tasks: Break down writing each chapter into smaller tasks, such as drafting an outline, writing 5 pages per day, and revising.

5. Stay Organized: Use a calendar to schedule writing sessions and deadlines for each chapter.

6. Maintain Flexibility: If you encounter writer’s block, be willing to adjust your schedule or change your writing environment.

7. Seek Feedback: Share drafts with peers or mentors for constructive feedback.

8. Take Action: Write daily, even if it’s just a few sentences.

9. Evaluate and Reflect: Review your progress weekly and adjust your plan if necessary.

10. Stay Motivated: Celebrate finishing each chapter and keep a positive outlook on your progress.

You absolutely know what your own “next right thing” is. By following these steps, you can ensure that you bring it to the surface and use it to make progress towards your goals. Remember, ALL progress is progress, even baby steps.

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