When you’re feeling isolated and alone the thought of setting, let alone achieving goals, can seem like a daunting task. It can be difficult to self-motivate and if you’re the type of person that thrives on social interaction. Even very important goals can feel trivial without the support and encouragement of others or employee engagement. If you feel like your productivity levels are plunging, try some of these tips to get back to crushing your goals.
If you’ve had a bunch of thoughts swirling around in your head and the overwhelm is keeping you from making any progress. This is where you need to all the things that trapped in your head out onto paper. Take some time and write down all the goals that come to mind. Don’t overthink it, don’t make it complicated. Simply write down every goal that enters your mind. This is a great way to clear your mind and let everything that has been building up in your head escape.
Once you’ve jotted down your goals it’s time to organize your thoughts so that you can put a plan together. Arrange your goals into lists based on urgency. What needs to be dealt with immediately, what would you like to accomplish in the next few months and what are your long term intentions? You can take it a step further and organize your sub-lists by size/time needed to complete each goal. Having everything laid out and put into sections can help make even the big goals seem less overwhelming.
If you’re feeling alone and are looking to stoke the fire so you can move the needle forward - then it’s important that you don’t bite off more than you can chew. These should be tasks that can be knocked out in a couple of hours, nothing that requires a large time commitment or thought. Our purpose here is to start building momentum so that you feel energized to tackle the rest of the things on your goal list. It’s truly amazing how much better you feel once you’ve already completed a few tasks.
Trying to accomplish things on your own can feel much more difficult when you’re feeling isolated. To keep yourself moving forward it can be extremely helpful to have some accountability so you know you have someone checking in on you regularly. Even if your goals require no oversight, feeling like you are responsible to others — even for something as simple as a progress check-in — can create a massive shift in how you move towards achieving those goals. We tend to work harder when we know others have expectations of us.
Nothing says you can’t adjust your goals once you’ve started working on them. Situations change and priorities shift. This is why it’s so important to check-in on your goals regularly so that you don’t wind up leaving something important off to the side because of an unexpected change. Assess your actual goals and the techniques you’re using to complete them regularly. Just because you started something off one way, doesn’t mean you need to complete it the same way. Not if there is a better method for accomplishing what you’re after.
Take time every month to personally review your goals. Also, look at the steps you took towards achieving them, and what you could do to improve going forward. Checking in with yourself allows time for reflection. You can see what worked and what might need some more attention going forward. This is also a good time to check deadlines for future projects/goals and make any necessary adjustments so you can stay on track.
It can feel defeating trying to set goals when you’re feeling alone. Rather than letting overwhelm take over, it’s time to take a step back, organize your thoughts, and then work towards those goals. Starting with a couple of small easy ones. Having someone to check-in with can provide some accountability and encouragement to keep things moving forward. As well, making adjustments and tracking your success will ensure you hit those goals in an efficient manner. Don’t let being alone put a kink in your goals. Follow these tips and get back to goal slaying! Good luck!
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
Did you have a list of lofty goals that you were going to crush this year? Now, here we are months later and maybe you haven’t crossed off as many things as you were hoping for. Maybe some of your initial goals are no longer viable or realistic given changes that have occurred. Does that mean you just move on, unfocused, and without a plan? Absolutely not. Rather than focusing on what didn’t work out, follow these steps to get refocused and turn things around.
The first thing you do, to get your goals back on track, is to review and assess your goals to see if they are still achievable. Keeping in mind the new timelines and changes that may have taken place since you initially set them. If the goal is still something you want to accomplish then you may need to adjust due dates. You might also want to think of the best way to complete the task given your current situation. Be realistic if the goal needs to be modified or altered. Also, be prepared to get creative with how you want to reach your goal.
Your priorities may have shifted since you last visited your goals and that is OK. Situations change and it’s important that we adapt to what is currently going on, not work against it or get stuck in the past. This can be as simple as changing the method in which the goal is achieved or as involved as doing a complete overhaul of your current goals. Whatever the case, it’s important that your goals reflect what is currently happening and what is realistic for you to accomplish given your circumstances.
If you’re coming off of a goal hiatus the aim is to momentum going again. Big goals are great but they can seem distant and overwhelming. To combat this it’s important to set up daily tasks that are designed to help you reach your end goal without feeling defeating. These tasks should help make you consistent with taking daily action to achieve your goals. By doing something small every day you’ll chip away at your goals without all of the overwhelm that can build up.
Because these are daily tasks it’s a good idea to write them down so you are clear on what the objective is for each day. The bonus of setting up daily goals is that gets momentum flowing and puts you in a positive position to accomplish what you set out to do. When you cross something off your list each day you’re left feeling much more positive about your work than simply grinding out work with no direct clear direction. One task every day can have a massive impact as it sets up strong habits that are compounded over time.
Just because something worked in the past doesn’t mean it’s the best solution for your current situation. It’s important to not be stubborn about how you accomplish your goal because this can lead to frustration and delay. Things change and sometimes situations are fluid which is why you should review your goals regularly. It’s imperative that you’re adaptable and willing to change your methods to best support your goals. Getting rid of the things that aren’t working makes room for more efficient methods.
If fear is paralyzing you from moving forward and keeping you stuck - you need to just start. Lock in on your goals and take messy, imperfect action. It’s better to fail forward than to remain stagnant. When you fail forward you discover what will work and what won’t cut it much quicker than waiting for perfect conditions. Moving forward, even when you’re uncertain, ensures that you are learning constantly and making yourself adaptable.
Failing can seem scary, especially if you’re a perfectionist, but if you want to reap the rewards sometimes you have to be willing to get things wrong in the process because rarely will things ever go 100% your way.
If you’ve been putting your goals on the back burner it’s time to bring them back to a roaring boil. Don’t let overwhelm keep you from making progress. Reassess, set up daily tasks, ditch what doesn’t work, and don’t be afraid of failing forward.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
I know that times today are strange and uncertain. Things we once took for granted now seem taboo. The idea of setting, let alone achieving career-oriented goals may seem far-fetched. However, the world hasn’t stopped turning and while business (and employee engagement) may look different, it’s still moving and progressing. Don’t let your career aspirations fall to the wayside because operations have changed. Strong employees and leadership have an outstanding chance to shine when things seem uncertain.
Your skills and experiences are things that are in your zone of control and should be utilized to help propel the company forward. Applying useful talents to new, evolving situations gives you a chance to highlight your strengths. Especially when management will be looking for strong leadership. Lean on what you excel at and craft new ideas, methods, and procedures. This will allow you to employ those skills to the best of your ability.
Similarly, don’t try and control and structure things that are in flux and uncontrollable. You’ll not only drive yourself (and possibly your boss) crazy, you’ll waste valuable time and resources that could be better spent someplace else on a task that will drive the company forward. Really it’s all about leaning into your zone of genius and using it to be the most useful you can be during a time when the company will likely appreciate it the most.
Depending on your workplace, you may be working remotely or on a different schedule than before. More businesses than ever are offering flexible working conditions but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be as focused on your work as if you were in the office. Even if you’re working in the office, it can still be easy to become distracted by all of the changes. Not to mention lose sight of the goals the company has set. For some, doing the bare minimum will suffice. With all of the chaos, some may not prioritize work or may become very distracted with everything else that’s occurring.
If you’re serious about moving up you cannot let this slow you down. You cannot be OK with doing the bare minimum. Put your skills to use, listen to what’s needed, and make a plan. You want to be regarded as a vital part of the company and you can’t do that by coasting and merely completing the minimum of what’s expected of you.
When times get tough there is usually always an opportunity for strong leaders to emerge. You need to seize these opportunities when they present themselves so you can demonstrate how useful and versatile you are. Those who step up when it’s needed the most come to mind easily when it’s time to move people up the corporate ladder. Stepping into a leadership role allows you to put your skillset on display and show you can not only handle the work but also the pressure that goes along with doing business in unpredictable periods.
Be the best leader you can by asking management what the most crucial tasks to focus on are and make it your missions to ensure that those things are taken care of. You don’t want to waste time on menial tasks so getting clear on priorities is essential if you want to make a lasting impression. You want to be seen as an indispensable part of the company, and working on crucial tasks is a way to stay on everyone’s radar and make yourself stand out.
It might not be full steam ahead, but we’re also not out for a Sunday drive. Uncertainty breeds leaders. Find opportunities to step up and excel and it won’t go unnoticed. This is the perfect time to speak up, lend an extra hand, and show how dedicated and skilled you truly are. You need to look for opportunities and be vocal about rising to the challenge. Essentially you want to be as useful as possible which will highlight your skills and strengths. You can still climb the corporate ladder, it just may have a few wobbly rungs to conquer first.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
The past weeks and months have been draining. Uncertainty, loss of control, and the unknown can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Finding new ways to do business while dealing with other work/life stressors can push people to their breaking point.
It’s important for your work ethic and personal wellbeing that you find ways to refuel during these stressful times. Signs it may be time to refuel and recharge your batteries include nagging fatigue, lack of focus, frustration, and negative emotions. You’re no good to others if you can’t take care of yourself so here are five practical ways to avoid burnout during these crazy times.
In order for our body to repair itself from the stressors we place it under each day, we need to ensure we’re getting adequate sleep. Having a solid sleep routine can make a world of difference in how you recover from the day.
You can start setting an alarm 30 minutes to an hour before bed to remind yourself to wind down and prepare for sleep. Stop checking your work email, unplug, and read a book or listen to music to allow your body to get into a relaxed state. Allowing your body to restore itself at night is one of the best things you can do to stay sharp and avoid feeling sluggish and overwhelmed the next morning.
This will look different for everyone but self-care is simply identifying something that nurtures you and makes you feel good and making it a priority to engage in these activities on a regular basis.
Pre-COVID, perhaps you enjoy going to a local coffee shop in the morning and reading the paper before tackling the day. Maybe a regular manicure or spa treatment keeps you feeling your best or going to a local art exhibit. These seemingly small indulgences can have a profound impact on our mental wellbeing as they allow us to recharge our batteries and spend time doing something that makes us feel good.
Depending on your geographical location right now, your ability to do some of these activities may be limited. Find other ways to take care of yourself. Remember that taking time for yourself and is critical.
Finding a form of exercise that you can partake in on a regular basis does so much more than just improve your physical health. Exercise reduces our body’s stress-causing hormones and also provides us with endorphins which in turn make us happier. Additionally, people who exercise regularly typically have more energy throughout the day.
You don’t have to participate in intense workout sessions to reap these benefits. Relaxing yoga, daily walking, hiking, or dance classes will all yield the desired outcome of less stress and those happy endorphins that follow when you’re done.
It can be so easy to use work and deadlines as an excuse to miss out on social gatherings but in reality, staying social can make you more productive. Whether it’s dinner, a movie, or Sunday brunch, staying connected helps us restore our emotional wellbeing which can make us more productive at work. It also allows us to see ourselves as a valued person outside of the office and connect with people outside of our work social circle.
At the time of this writing, COVID is curtailing many of these “typical” social activities. It is vital that you find a work-around to stay connected and social during this time. A Zoom call may not be your favourite thing, but after a few jokes between you and your best friend, I bet the effort will be well worth it.
It can be really hard not to be a ‘yes’ person with your work or family or personal life. Saying yes to every single extra project or event can seem like a sure-fire way to impress those around you with your tenacity. Problem is, the more you take on, the more thinly you stretch yourself, and the less likely you are to perform all of your tasks to the level you are capable of. If your plate is already full - don’t add more just to look better. Say yes to the things that really matter and practice saying no when there are other avenues to complete those tasks. Take some time to learn about an effective boundary setting, it will do wonders to help improve your energy.
If you find yourself consistently feeling overwhelmed, unable to focus, and easily agitated, you may be close to a burnout. Taking the time to refuel, distress, and set some new boundaries and habits can make all the difference during these times. You can only do your best work when you are taking care of yourself.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
COVID has tested even the most well-prepared companies’ contingency plans. With any transition, there is an adjustment period. Right now we’re making all types of adjustments to our personal lives and the way we conduct business - all at once. As you navigate this new, seemingly never-ending, unchartered territory there are a few things that can help you effectively lead your team and keep your overwhelm at bay.
Strong leadership is crucial, now more than ever. Same with employee engagement. You know that. However, you probably didn’t expect your personal, financial, emotional, and professional life to be up-ended all at the same time while being called to lead in a manner you haven’t prepared for.
You may be facing staffing challenges - deciding whether to cut staff to save margins or reduce hours across the board to save talent. These are hard decisions that often don’t have one right or wrong answer.
It’s completely understandable if you are feeling nervous or vulnerable about your own position within the company or how this might affect your next step up the corporate ladder or the next expansion for your own business. Right now it feels as if nothing is guaranteed. How are you supposed to lead others and ensure you're doing all you can for employee engagement when you’re uncertain about where you yourself stand? The thing to remember is - you can only control your own actions. However unfair or uneasy may make you feel.
What you can do is continue to lead your team with clarity and drive. If you are feeling uneasy, you can only assume some of your team is as well. Acknowledging that things are different and changes need to be made is critical. This isn’t the time to pretend it’s business as usual, because it isn’t. Many teams are working remotely, trying to navigate working from home, perhaps with children, and to expect things to carry on as they did before is a recipe for disaster, tone-deaf, and frankly isn’t going to be tolerated. Adjust your expectations for yourself and your employees and be prepared to make changes on the fly.
It may be true that there are some large hurdles in front of your business right now. Problems that seem extremely overwhelming to solve in the best interest of your clients and employees. To battle overwhelm break your goals down into small, bite-sized chunks that will give you motivation as you complete them. Choose a few very easy tasks to complete first and go from there. Sometimes getting a few small wins and some momentum is all you need to get the ball rolling.
Take time to refuel. Now more than ever self-care is essential. Be sure to get enough rest, enough downtime, eat well. It is vital you take care of your physical and mental health daily. This will help you to have enough energy and positivity to lead by example for your team.
While it’s important to be a strong leader, it’s also important that you’re honest with your team. As you know, employee engagement needs to be authentic. Don’t fake answers you are unsure of or make promises you may be unable to hold up.
Know that this situation won’t last forever. While the business may not go back to exactly how it was before, everything is adaptable. Stay focused, keep your team on task, and know that flexibility is a strength. Be willing to roll with the punches. This is an entirely new world we’re dealing with, no one is expecting people to have all the answers. The best we can do is assess the current situation and make a plan. If things change, don’t get discouraged. Reassess and move on. Dwelling on a situation that is no longer relevant isn’t going to help anyone.
Times like this call for a rise in leadership. Lean into your strengths. In testing times, greatness can emerge if it’s nourished well. Don’t shy away from the challenge and remember to refuel.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
There is no way around it - these are stressful times. Not only are people worried about the economy and their jobs, but they’re also concerned about the personal wellbeing of themselves and their families. Despite us being months into the pandemic, the uncertainty feels like the only thing that is certain. Still, the business must go on. Employee engagement is a must.
So what does a business owner or company leader do to keep their team motivated and ensure employee engagement when things seem to keep changing and there’s so much uncertainty?
First of all, acknowledge how different things are now. While it would be nice and perhaps easier to ignore how much has changed, it’s not realistic. People are missing that everyday connection we were used to. Chatting with co-workers, having lunch together and other seemingly mundane tasks really kept us connected. More than ever, people are feeling isolated so if you can acknowledge this while also offering creative solutions that allow people to connect it will go a long way to helping their mental health. This will be a long game.
Even though we’re all in the same storm, we are not in the same boat. Communicating your empathy with the current situation and making your team feel heard and understood with their varied circumstances is extremely important. Communication during troubling times is of the utmost importance. Be very clear on what you are doing to adapt to these changes, let people feel heard, and have an open line for information to be passed to. Frequent communication assures your employees feel like you care about their wellbeing and are be vigilant in your efforts to stay on top of the situation. It also provides confidence in leadership and when people feel confident in their leaders they also tend to be much more productive. What may feel like over-communication is the right amount of communication.
Also, it may not be realistic in every situation but having some extra flexibility can be a wonderful morale boost for your employees. People’s routines and schedules have been completely thrown for a loop so offering some wiggle room with regular policies can allow for some much-needed relief. Many people are dealing with lots of changes all at once - whether it be having their children home full time, routines changing, tiring of this “new” routine, limited access to services or new working environments - and extending some leeway may be just what they need to take the edge off. Personal stress is a productivity killer so anything you can do to help mitigate that will go a long way.
Make your employees feel safe in their environment. Have a solid plan in place to deal with COVID and make certain that all employees know what is expected and offered to help combat the issue in the workplace when it is safe for your team to return to the office. Having protocols in place shows your employees that you are concerned about their health and can make them feel taken care of and appreciated. Yes, there are legal requirements for things you must provide in the workplace but anything extra you can do to make people feel safe and comfortable will be welcomed.
Help keep your employees focused by keeping goals at the forefront of communication. Break large goals up into smaller pieces and celebrate the milestone wins along the way. Taking the time to acknowledge those who have made significant contributions to projects or deadlines will set your team up for success as positive energy multiplies and spreads. There is no doubt that maintaining motivation during difficult times is a tall order, so get creative in ways you can make your employees feel appreciated and valued. Simple gestures can make a big impact.
This is an odd time, to say the least, and everyone handles this type of stress differently. Some days you may have everything in check, the next day you don’t. It is OK.
Check-in on your employees, be empathetic, and lead by example. A lot of people still haven’t gotten used to the isolation they have been dealing with for months. Even if you can’t be physically close, try and find ways for your team to come together to create community and comradery. It doesn’t have to be forced, a daily team check-in can serve both business and routine needs for your employees to still feel part of your company.
Communicate, celebrate the wins, and keep your goals in check. More than anything, people need strong leadership right now so set a strong example and your team will thank you.
How are you being strong for your team? How are you continuing employee engagement? Let me know, I’d love to hear from you.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.