We’re coming up on the end of February. Remember what you were resolved to do this year?  C’mon, it was only 2 months ago that you had all that energy, enthusiasm, and excitement to charge into the new year and conquer that list of goals! Where are you now?

If you’re still surging, it likely means that your goals are truly connected to a greater sense of purpose or vision that you have for yourself.

Now’s the time to do a check-in to see if your energy is even stronger than it was when you made the resolution. If it is, that’s a great sign.  If it isn’t quite where you want it to be, then consider what needs adjustment:

-    With the progress you’ve made, which of your values are you using most?  What values are under-represented?
-    With your current level of enthusiasm, what are you still passionate about?  Where has the passion waned?
-    In terms of progress, what parts of your plan have been smoothest? What clarity or focus do you need for the next stage?

If you’re not surging, chances are that one of these two things are going on:

1) Your goals were mostly external, meaning that they weren’t well connected to who you really are and why you’re going after those goals in the first place.  They weren’t tied to a bigger purpose, or to your values, strengths, motivators, or true drivers.  Consider what you’re really after in choosing your goals, and how the goals you’re choosing could potentially be the wrong ones.

2) You’ve hit the wall; that’s right, we all have a certain amount of stamina and resiliency that we’ve built up.  In some areas, we have tremendous stamina, while in other areas (usually those outside our comfort zone or that require some significant change), it can be quite limited.  Consider: with what system of support and reinforcement have you surrounded yourself in order to follow through and stick to it during these incredibly challenging times?  Whether it’s reminders, routines, a coach, a group looking to accomplish similar goals, or the like, surround yourself with those people and habits that help keep you on track and are there for you when the wall approaches!

The key is simply this: how are you examining, adjusting, re-evaluating, learning, growing, re-engaging, and building yourself, at this point in the year?  Being resolved is not a one-shot deal; it’s a process.  Set-up the process, set up the check-ins, and you’ll be setting yourself up for massive results — and be sure to give yourself a little time to go out and see those results!

Live on Fire!

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