Do you know what you want and go for it? Or are you waiting for a miracle, for some act of fate, or for someone else to hand it to you on a silver platter?
If you're anything like me, you tackle the projects you enjoy, and procrastinate on the ones you do not. Yet, it's often those 'undesired' projects which help move us closer to our goals and get us what we want. Why, then, do we put them off?
Seizing initiative is a competency of emotional intelligence but one that many struggle with. Those who are strong in this skillset keep an eye out for opportunities -- even create them! -- and don't hesitate when it's time to act. They go above and beyond and don't let red tape slow them down. They are risk takers. They see ahead to what needs to be done, make a plan, then take action before it's forced upon them. They are good at mobilizing others (colleagues, teams, etc.) to collaborate and are strong motivators.
Those who struggle with seizing initiative tend to be procrastinators, and shy away from planning and setting goals. They function in a reactive mode vs. a proactive mode. They often need direction from outside sources to light a fire under them, and resist working on projects which land outside the bounds of their immediate area of responsibility. They tend to not want to take risks. When things get tough, they tend to quit easily. Constantly postponing decisions and action causes them to miss opportunities.
"People are always blaming their circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for circumstances they want, and if they can't find them, they make them."
Why do some shy away from seizing initiative, even when it's what is needed to get what they want? Understanding the whys behind your dragging feet can be a great way to move toward growth in this vital competency. Which of the following reasons for a lack of initiative can you most relate to?
- You have a fear of the unknown. It's easy to get comfortable and complacent in routines, or 'the way things are', because it doesn't require extra effort and we can predict the outcomes, boring as they may be. When we try something new, there are unknown outcomes. What if I fail? What if I succeed? What if _____ (you fill in the blank)?
- You have a fear of the known. Remember that last time you suggested something new, or launched into a new project, and you failed? Or someone ridiculed you? Or the project didn't go as planned and you were scolded? We often use the phrase, "Don't rock the boat" to describe sticking with the status quo. But what if things need to change? When you think you know something will turn out badly, or "know" your effort won't be rewarded, it's easier to shy away from innovative ideas and actions. Your focus on negativities of the past prevents you from daring to try again.
- You think it's someone else's job. Many don't take initiative because they think the next steps are someone else's responsibility. Possibly you're waiting for other team to start things, or tell yourself, "It's the manager's job", or "Our leader should be doing that." Or, maybe you leave things up to fate. Rather than taking ownership of what's next, you often defer to someone else.
- You've buried yourself in the details. How's the saying go? "You can't see the forest for the trees," aptly stated by John Heywood. It's easy to let the tedious details, which are a part of every project, prevent you from taking time to dream and visualize what could be, blinding you from seeing the bigger picture. How can you seize initiative on new project when you can't even keep up with all the constant, day-in-and-day-out demands of your current projects?
- You're stressed and tired. You may have too much work on your plate, or are physically and mentally worn out. Or maybe you're dealing with issues at home which are spilling over into your emotional capacity at work. Daily, unmanaged stress can wear you down, and the thought of taking on another project, no matter how vital, could send you over the edge.
- You're just not motivated. Maybe you don't get along with your boss, or feel your pay is too low. Maybe you're not getting the recognition you deserve, or don't feel like anything you do really matters. When motivation is low, a lack of initiative follows closely behind.
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.”
Would you like to seize more initiative? Unlike personality types or genetics, this competency of emotional intelligence is a skill set which can be developed and grown. Start by asking yourself (and responding to) these prompts:
- What is it that you want? List out a few things that you currently don't have which you want (new job, more responsibility, a raise, recognition, that new client, etc.) and write out some goal statements.
- What changes would you need to make to reach those goals?
- What hurdles are preventing you from getting those things you want? It may be a person, or time constraints, fear of outcomes, or a lack of skills, or _____ (you fill in the blank).
- Who do you know who might help you reach these goals? Write down their name. It may be a mentor, or a coach, or a motivated colleague.
- In which specific areas at work (and at home) are you currently procrastinating? What emotions do you experience when you procrastinate?
- What activities do you tend to do instead of doing the ones you 'should' be doing? (i.e. scrolling on your phone, working on easier tasks, chatting with coworkers, etc.)
- What are the consequences of your procrastination?
- What was the last great thing you accomplished? Was it easy or did it take hard work? What emotions did you experience when you accomplished it?
- What would you gain from taking action toward these goals? How would you personally benefit? How would others benefit?
- What are some practical ways you could maintain momentum once you get started (i.e., breaking the goal down into 'smaller bites', doing one thing each day, enlisting the help of a friend, writing tasks down, etc.)
Grab your journal and write down your responses to these questions. Talk with a trusted friend or colleague, or enlist the help of a social and emotional intelligence coach to discuss your insights and lay out next steps.
I get it, taking action requires work, and it can seem easier to stick with the way things are. But think about which future issues you could possibly avoid by taking action today! And dream about what could be, if you only took that first step! Start small. What is ONE THING you can do today to begin making your way toward a desired outcome? Then -- stating it isn't enough. You'll need to do it.
And don't forget to celebrate your wins along the way, great and small, reminding yourself often of how good it feels when you accomplishment your goals.
“A year from now you may wish you had started today.”
