When we talk about taking action, I think about Nike’s slogan, “Just do it”. We spend far more time thinking about doing something than actually just doing it. In fact research shows when it comes to goals, it’s actually harder to get started than it is to finish. To help you get started, just like Nike’s slogan, I use a Take Action Motto. This motto will help you stay focused on taking action and remain accountable for what you commit to do, regardless of what gets in the way.
I will…
Describe what you will achieve. What will you do and when will you do it? Be specific and ensure its time-bound.
So that…
Describe the benefit(s) by accomplishing this goal; i.e. what will you gain by taking action. Describe why this goal is important and what the outcome will look like.
Measurements of my progress include…
Define the tangible factors or elements that will signify your success. To illustrate this, take a look at the Take Action Motto from one of my clients:
In the next month I will create my elevator speech.
So that people will know where I add value and will ask me to be the lead on more projects.
Measurements of my progress include I’m asked to lead 5 new projects over the next quarter.
Once you have your Take Action motto, I put this into a very simple format of Start, Stop and Continue doing. What will you Start doing that will increase your ability to achieve your goals. What will you Stop doing, things that can get in the way of being successful. And lastly, what will you Continue doing. Those things you are already doing that are effective and you want to keep doing them. Draw a simple grid to capture this information or use the chart below. You may have multiple items you want to take action on so use the Take Action Motto format to state your intentions in each of these areas.
And one last note on goals. Ensure they are SMART. Take a look at the goals you’ve identified and ensure they encompass all the elements of SMART from the table below!
In celebration of Nike, “Just do it!” Having a strong personal brand is so vital to your success. Now take control of and power up your brand and your career.
Sage Alliance, a Leadership Performance Company, provides coaching, teambuilding and assessments, workshops and speaking on topics including; leadership development, empowering teams, communications, lasting impressions, personal branding and building a coaching culture for executives and high-potentials – for both team and individual leaders.
Contact us today to discover how your organization can get the most through improved productivity, efficiency and direct impact to your bottom line, while leaders gain powerful insight, crystallize opportunities for growth and fine tune their strengths, enabling them to make the greatest impact. You can contact Shelley Hammell directly at shammell@thesagealliance.com.
3 thoughts on “Take Action and Do It”
As a Trainer and Business Consultant I know that the good old “SMART” methodology never fails! Interesting that this piece sights the Nike slogan “Just Do It”…….as when I was doing some consultancy with Virgin Media I was amused to see that on their “Post-It” notes that they had the slogan “Screw It Lets Do It”!!! Clearly these calls to ‘action’ are very powerful as both Nike and Virgin Media are two very successful organisations.
Trisha Proud
Partners in Solutions Ltd
https://twitter.com/proudtrisha
http://trishaproud.wordpress.com/
Shelley…. the one thing that I have always wanted to work into the SMART methodology is an “I”… for Impact, or “C” for consequence… as what I spend time with my client on is not only the benefit or value that they will gain by achieving the goal, but the impact or consequence if they do not.
When I think of some common goals one makes, i.e. quit smoking or lose weight… the impact or consequence weighs so much greater on their determination to achieve the goal, then the reward of a smaller waistline or fresh breath. I am generalizing here, but the point is…. sometimes, we have to have a clear idea of the impact of not achieving a goal as much as we have the benefit for attaining it.
Thanks ……
This is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very precise information� Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
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