You know that project you started – the one you were so excited to take the initiative on and make a lot of progress?  In fact, in the first go round, you nearly finished it all… nearly.  C’mon guys, you know the one. Every time you walk into the room, you see that one small, unfinished, unpainted corner – that last uncompleted task.  You want to “get to it,” but you’re busy and it’s a lot of work to bring everything back out – especially for just that one little piece.  Better to wait, right?

As my 5 year-old would say, “puuulleassse.”  Nice excuse!

Taking initiative is outstanding; it’s a trait known to the most successful people in the world – however, so is completion and “finishing.”  They don’t run out of steam or quit the marathon at mile 24 or 25.  In fact, that’s precisely when they step it up.  They tap into their reserves, if needed, because the goal is there, within sight, calling to them!

Use your Response Ability to understand what’s stopping you and shift back into action.

We don’t “paint the corner” for a great number of reasons, which range from the least emotional external block to the most personal and emotional internal block.  Figure out why your energy drops… your attention wanes… your engagement disengages, and it may be the most important discovery you ever make.

Two things to consider during this reflection and discovery stage. First, if you aren’t finishing what you’re starting, look at your sense of purpose in relation to the project, role, or even your life.  How aligned is your purpose with this project?  How did the purpose or project change?  Or how might you have just lost sight of your purpose?

Second, consider your strengths.  Maybe the final steps to “finishing” aren’t your strengths or interests.  This is fine, but the most successful people don’t just “let it go.”  They surround themselves with resources and people that step-up and step-in at these times.  And don’t just delegate it; support those invaluable members of your team.  Thank them.  Appreciate them.  They’re allowing you to stay where your power lies.

So, where have you left the corner unpainted?  It’s time to get started again, and start finishing strong.

Live on Fire!

D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)

Tags: achievement, intentions, leadership, new perspective

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 1st, 2011 at 1:00 pm and is filed under Business Development, D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO, leadership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.