Challenge Accepted...

1.???? This Week's Encouragement:

Who doesn't love an impromptu challenge? Last week, one of my favorite clients sent me an early morning Slack message that demanded a phone call before breakfast. She needed a fast cash injection in her business in under 10 days. Challenge accepted!

After our call, I noodled on it and came up with a no-frills strategy. We dove in, agreeing to check in twice a day until we hit the goal. I was right there alongside her, the whole way.

Needless to say, it’s been transformative. Our early morning check-ins featured groggy voices, pajamas and a mutual commitment to be disciplined with our day. As we wrapped up the first leg of our challenge, I asked, “What’s been your biggest takeaway?” Her answer? Consistency. I can wax poetically about consistency for days, so it made me smile to know that she will care that with her going forward.

Here’s what I learned from this impromptu challenge:

• Accountability is a glorious tool. Accountability works when you work. It has the potential to be the rocket fuel we need to get enough momentum to achieve the goal.
• Freedom Through Discipline: The freedom we crave is just on the other side of discipline and consistency.
• Creative Spark: A seemingly impossible challenge can reenergize and refresh you, proving that it’s possible.

Stay tuned. When we cross the finish line, I’ll share our results!

2. Challenge Yourself: Don’t Procrastinate on Your Performance Reviews

Feeling a bit of dread and activating avoidance behaviors around completing your performance reviews and those of your direct reports? Allow me to extend an invitation to make your life easier.

My on-demand course with O'Reilly Media, "Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals: The Manager’s Guide to Goal Setting, " is your go-to resource. Designed for new people managers, this course is digestible, actionable, and packed with valuable tools to simplify goal setting and the review process—all in 90 minutes or less (or even faster if you watch at 2x speed!).

The course is accessible to anyone with an individual or corporate subscription to O’Reilly. Just search for the course or my name to get started, or click the link below.

Don't let procrastination hold you back—challenge yourself and transform your approach to performance reviews today!

3. DIY Challenge:

In addition to a cash sprint with my client, I’m joining my younger sister in a 60-day positivity challenge. We're pushing each other to frame our thoughts and conversations in a positive light. It’s been a game-changer!

Now, it's your turn to take on a challenge:

Identify an Area: Think of a part of your life where you need some momentum or inspiration.

Choose One Habit: Pick one specific thing in that area that you want to improve or create new habits around.

Set a Timeline: Commit to a timeline for this challenge—30, 60, or even 90 days.

Get Support: Invite friends or colleagues to join you and track your progress together.

?4. Quote:

"Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand." — Oprah Winfrey

5. Ask Keita:

Q. Dear Keita,

I’ve been feeling stuck at work lately. Despite my best efforts, I can’t seem to make progress on preparing for my team’s performance reviews, and my motivation is dwindling. I know I need to push through, but I’m struggling to stay positive and focused. How can I overcome this challenge and regain my momentum?

Sincerely,

Stuck and Stressed

A. Dear Stuck and Stressed,

I hear you! Feeling stuck can be incredibly frustrating, but it's also an opportunity for growth. Here are three steps to help you push through this challenge and regain your momentum:

1. Take our On-Demand Course with O’Reilly Media, "Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals: The Manager’s Guide to Goal Setting.” It’s a great refresher and starting point for review season.

2. Reframe your mindset.? It’s a privilege to support a direct report in their career development.

3. Find an accountability partner. Working with another colleague, you can host accountability deep work sessions to complete the reviews on time.

As always, thank you for sharing a part of your day with me in this edition of Take 5 Tuesday. If you, your team, or your organization are seeking guidance in navigating the complexities of performance reviews, remember, we're here to help.

In addition to our private coaching and our on-demand course launch with O’Reilly Media, we offer a comprehensive suite of corporate training programs focused on goal setting, mastering the performance review process, and fostering authenticity-based accountability.

Don't hesitate to reach out . Together, we can tailor a strategy that aligns with your unique goals and challenges.

See you at the top,

Keita -- Your Favorite Success Bully