Daunting Commitments Stalling Your Growth? Here's an Easier Way Forward
Sharmin Banu
Top Executive Coaching Voice | Empowering Global Leaders for Sustainable Success | Executive Coach Since 2009 |ICF-PCC
A client in her early thirties—let's call her Elena—came to me with a familiar challenge: She wanted to develop a healthy lifestyle but struggled to sustain healthy habits.
.Curious, I asked her where she’d like to begin. "Healthy lifestyle," she replied.
I pressed further: “What part of a healthy lifestyle do you want to start with?” After a moment of reflection, she responded, almost as if negotiating with herself, “How about eating healthy?”
Recognizing the broadness of her answer, I asked again, “What’s one small, specific change you could start with?” Eventually, we narrowed it down to committing to a healthy breakfast each day. As we discussed the logistics, she outlined a simple plan: preparing the night before and setting things up in the morning to make it easier.
Even with this clear plan, Elena expressed only 70% confidence in her ability to follow through. I dug deeper, asking what might get in her way. That’s when she realized the long-term commitment—the idea of doing this forever—was overwhelming. It felt too big, too daunting.
So, I suggested an experiment: “How about trying it for just three days? After that, you can evaluate how it went and decide if you want to commit for another three days.”
The idea of experimentation clicked with her. She felt less burdened and didn't have to commit to it forever.
Elena's experience reminded me of a time earlier in my career when I struggled with my own big goal—getting organized with my time. The goal remained a distant wish rather than tangible progress.
This is a challenge we all face in different areas of our lives. We aim for big transformations, but we rarely examine ourselves to see what is getting in the way and halting our progress.
领英推荐
The Solution: Clarify Your Vision, Experiment Small and Iterate
That’s why I created the "5 Steps to Sustainable Goals" workbook—to help you turn your big aspirations into small, meaningful, and actionable steps. This guide will first help you clarify your vision so you can focus on what truly matters. Then, you’ll carve out smaller, manageable, achievable goals that align with your larger ambitions, allowing you to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment along the way.
The workbook also offers flexibility, encouraging you to experiment, adjust, and discover what works best for you. This ensures steady progress and lasting results. Whether you're seeking clarity or struggling to maintain momentum, this workbook gives you the structure and support you need to succeed—on your own terms.
Download your Free Copy today and Start Growing with Purpose and Joy!
My name is Sharmin Banu; I've been coaching Fortune 500 and startup executives globally since 2009. My mission is cultivating sustainable success with purpose and joy. Through personalized coaching, my clients enhance their executive presence, amplify impact and influence, nurture emotional intelligence (EQ), foster career advancement, and boost team productivity.
Ready to embark on this transformative journey?
Schedule a complimentary Strategy Call. Let's explore how to address your workplace challenges and support your growth with purpose and joy.
Top Executive Coaching Voice | Empowering Global Leaders for Sustainable Success | Executive Coach Since 2009 |ICF-PCC
1 个月Jannat Tumpa, Ph.D. Here is the workbook I shared inside: https://services.greenleafcoach.com/5-steps-to-sustainable-goals
Machine Learning Engineer at Uber, ex-PayPal
1 个月Very relevant and informative article! Thanks for sharing! ??
CEO at Bayside Analytix, a tech-focused development consulting organization. Promotes sustainability and wellbeing at work.
1 个月My experience is similar. I don't force but nudge myself into doing small things with a bigger goal in mind. The progress may be slow but steady. Sometimes there's no progress and I try to find another way of getting there.
Insights, Analytics and Experimentation
1 个月Very helpful toolkit and a great reminder to break down goals into small tangible action items and track progress.