When The Going Gets Tough…

…The tough get strategic!

If it was easy, everyone would do it. ~Unknown

What are you working on this week?

Has it been smooth sailing? or have you hit a hiccup or two?

You may have even experienced a combination of both! I think we all know what that’s like!

Often our most important work, the real meaty stuff, requires extra think time, focus, and tenacity. It’s no surprise it won’t always be easy.

…Sometimes we meet an unexpected obstacle.

…Sometimes we run out of steam.

…Sometimes we realise a better course of action, that may require a re-start or a re-work of what we’ve already painstakingly accomplished.

Whatever hiccups you may be experiencing lately, it’s worth pausing a few moments to take a step back and survey the situation.

In fact, I recommend physically taking an actual step backwards, or slide your chair back by a foot, to give you some space. Take a nice, deep breath while you’re at it.

When the going gets extra tough, you may be tempted to completely throw yourself into the whirlwind – which may lead to burn-out, …or to completely shut down – which leads to ‘zero’ result.

Instead of launching straight for the extremes, consider your options.

When the going gets tough, get strategic and ask yourself, “What would be the next best step, based on my circumstances?”

Here are a few questions to consider:

• Do you need a small break to give your brain a refresh?
• Do you need a bigger break, say a day or two, to completely disconnect from the whole thing and come back later with a fresh vision?
• Could you switch for a while to different part of the project?
• Who do you know who’s been through something similar who could offer some insights or a few pointers, could you give them a call?
• Do you simply need to get started or keep going?

It’s not always an easy call. Sometimes our brains need the break to problem-solve, while other times our biggest breakthroughs occur in ‘the doing’, during those nose-to-the-grindstone moments.

If you’re stuck, experiment. Mix it up and try different angles to see what works best for you. Whatever you try, make it your mission to push through a tough patch today.

Remember…

Get strategic.

Then get going!

What else do you do when the going gets tough? I’d love to hear!