The Real Reason why we fail?
Manoj Chawla
MD @ EasyPeasy Limited, Award winning Transformation & Innovation Guru, C level positions ex Accenture, BT, PWC, Diageo, ICI.
When I worked in BT I put a mirror in my office and had a motto: "Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?".
Now more than ever I am focused on improving my mental and emotional fitness. Get that right and the body will follow and you will create a virtuous circle of success.
More often than not we first have to look deep in ourselves if we truly wish to achieve a goal to make sure we are not the biggest problem to achieving our goals be it business or personal.
Sometimes before we start a project or new goal we first have to fix ourselves before rushing in to start the project just like a person climbing Mount Everest has to train themselves, build a team, get the right resources and plan the route etc.
Mindset and being positive and mental and emotional fitness is key to being able to achieve your goals and solving the problems you will encounter on the journey. When we are in a bad place we make poor decisions.
Achieving goals involves recognising and addressing a variety of barriers, both explicit and implicit. By understanding these factors and implementing tailored strategies, we can create a comprehensive approach to overcoming obstacles and making sustained progress toward our goals.
I have spent a long time evaluating my successes and failures and those of the people I coach and mentor and found that the reason(s) are not always obvious.
Like doing a post mortem of a plane accident, if we are to avoid it again we have to get away from quick answers and blame frames. We are the architects of our life.
Did the problems with the Boeing 737 Max stem from design flaws, pilot error, just a combination of events, culture, leadership etc.
Often it is not about focusing on the plan but the garden and fixing the environment and surrounding yourself with the right people plays a big part to making it happen.
We need to understand, why something we want to achieve didn't happen and get the outcome we wanted.
Achieving goals often involves overcoming a range of barriers, some explicit and others more subtle.
There are many reasons and they may be layered and interconnected.
For example unresolved trauma may lead to limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, chronic stress/depression, which lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms which will lead to health issues and a a lack of purpose, procrastination, lack of self discipline, poor time management etc. Sometimes the problems we think we have are actually symptoms of deeper issues and the bigger and more challenging the goal the deeper we need to work on ourselves.
?Overcoming Barriers to Achieving Goals
?1. Lack of Self-Discipline
?Self-discipline is crucial for consistent progress. It involves controlling impulses and sticking to routines.
Strategies:
- Habit Formation: Use cue-routine-reward loops.
- Delayed Gratification: Gradually practice postponing rewards.
- Accountability Systems: Use apps or partners to track progress.
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?2. Fear of Failure
?Fear of failure can paralyze action, stemming from past experiences or self-imposed standards.
Strategies:
- Reframe Failure: See it as a learning opportunity.
- Incremental Exposure: Start with low-risk scenarios to reduce anxiety.
- Set Process Goals: Focus on effort, not just outcomes.
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?3. Procrastination
?Often caused by overwhelm, perfectionism, or lack of interest.
Strategies:
- Cognitive Behavioural Techniques: Change thought patterns that lead to procrastination.
- Micro-tasks: Break tasks into small steps.
- Action Triggers: Use specific cues to start tasks.
?Getting started is often the biggest challenge. Tiny steps is the key
?4. Limiting Beliefs
?Deep-seated beliefs that limit potential.
Strategies:
- Identify and Challenge: Write down and counter negative beliefs.
- Success Journals: Document achievements to reinforce positive beliefs.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Seek external perspectives to reframe beliefs.
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?5. Lack of Focus
?Distractions and mental clutter can impede focus.
Strategies:
- Mindfulness Meditation: Practice to improve concentration.
- Environment Control: Create a distraction-free workspace.
- Single-tasking: Focus on one task at a time.
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?6. Poor Time Management
?Ineffective time management leads to stress and missed deadlines.
Strategies:
- Time Audits: Identify where time is spent.
- Prioritization Frameworks: Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix.
- Goal Setting Techniques: Apply SMART goals.
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?7. Inadequate Support Systems
?Lack of emotional and practical support.
Strategies:
- Build Diverse Networks: Develop relationships with mentors and peers.
- Active Engagement: Regularly communicate with your support network.
- Reciprocity: Offer support to others.
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?8. Overwhelm and Burnout
?Overwhelm from too many tasks and burnout from prolonged stress.
Strategies:
- Task Management Tools: Use tools like Trello or Asana.
- Regular Self-Care: Schedule activities for well-being.
- Stress Management Techniques: Practice deep breathing or yoga.
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?9. Ineffective Planning
?Plans that lack clarity or flexibility.
Strategies:
- Backward Planning: Work backward from the goal.
- Scenario Planning: Prepare for different scenarios.
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- Regular Reviews: Frequently assess and adjust plans.
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?10. External Circumstances
?Uncontrollable factors like economic conditions or health issues.
Strategies:
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Develop the ability to pivot plans.
- Resource Optimization: Utilize available resources.
- Resilience Training: Build skills to cope with setbacks.
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?11. Unresolved Trauma
?Past trauma can create psychological barriers.
Strategies:
- Therapy: Seek professional help.
- Support Groups: Join groups to share experiences.
- Mindfulness and Self-Care: Engage in practices to manage symptoms.
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?12. Chronic Stress
?Prolonged stress impacts mental and physical health.
Strategies:
- Stress Management Techniques: Use yoga or deep breathing exercises.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintain a balanced lifestyle.
- Time Off: Schedule breaks and vacations.
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?13. Perfectionism
?Perfectionism can lead to procrastination and fear of failure.
Strategies:
- Set Realistic Standards: Focus on progress over perfection.
- Incremental Progress: Celebrate small achievements.
- Self-Compassion: Acknowledge effort and forgive mistakes.
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?14. Imposter Syndrome
?Belief that success is undeserved, leading to self-doubt.
Strategies:
- Acknowledge Achievements: Keep a record of accomplishments.
- Seek Feedback: Get realistic perspectives from trusted peers.
- Mentorship: Engage with a mentor for guidance.
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?15. Health Issues
?Chronic health problems drain energy and focus.
Strategies:
- Medical Support: Manage conditions with healthcare providers.
- Adaptive Strategies: Adjust goals to accommodate limitations.
- Support Networks: Leverage family and professional support.
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?16. Financial Constraints
?Financial instability creates stress and limits resources.
Strategies:
- Budgeting: Create and adhere to a budget.
- Seek Funding: Explore grants, scholarships, or loans.
- Financial Planning: Work with a financial advisor.
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?17. Lack of Purpose or Motivation
?Without a clear sense of purpose, it’s hard to maintain enthusiasm.
Strategies:
- Values Clarification: Align goals with personal values.
- Goal Realignment: Ensure goals are meaningful.
- Inspiration Sources: Engage with motivational content.
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?18. Negative Social Influences
?Negative influences can discourage progress.
Strategies:
- Positive Relationships: Surround yourself with supportive people.
- Set Boundaries: Protect yourself from negative influences.
- Social Skill Development: Improve interpersonal skills.
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?19. Self-Sabotage
?Behaviours that undermine success, often due to fear of change.
Strategies:
- Self-Awareness: Identify and change self-sabotaging behaviours.
- Behaviour Modification: Replace negative behaviours with positive ones.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward constructive actions.
?20. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
?Reliance on unhealthy coping strategies.
Strategies:
- Healthy Alternatives: Replace with positive behaviours like exercise.
- Professional Help: Seek help for serious issues like addiction.
- Mindfulness Practices: Manage stress with mindfulness.
Love to get your thoughts and views and what things have held you back and how you have overcome them.
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