Still Plan-less and Goal-less?

We all know that planning can significantly increase our chances of success. We’ve heard it over and over how only 3% of all people have written goals and are the successful ones. Everyone knows they should have some kind of plan. But in reality, most of us still carry on, plan-less and goal-less, and wonder why we don’t succeed.


I am swallowing my own medicine here. I’ve always known my business should have a plan, and indeed I do have one. But the way I usually work is to take out sections of my business plan and then generate micro, daily ones. And I haven’t done this in a while. However, I have recently recommitted to my own success and as I write this piece, my written micro-plan lies on the table beside me! All of a sudden, the frustration and confusion have faded away. Now I know what I should be doing each day, how much of it and when. As long as I am patient and consistent, my efforts will compound and I will get where I am headed. This proven strategy has worked for me every time. Phew! That medicine sure tasted good!


Is there some area of your life where you know a written plan could make all the difference? Have you been procrastinating about it? My recommendation is this: If your own success is important to you, schedule a 30 minute planning session with yourself, within the next 24 hours. Can’t free up the time and space? You could have your planning session on the ride home from work, while you wait your turn in the salon/barbers’, or over lunch. You may not be able to quieten the world around you, but you can quieten the world within you, and then get to work. Just set your 3 most important goals. Next, break them down into smaller tasks, setting completion dates for each. Try to do at least one thing on your plan each day. Forgive yourself if you slip up, and then get back on track. And of course, celebrate your victories. It’ll only be a matter of time before you reach your target.


Copyright © 2009 Oma Edoja

Set your top 3 goals here: http://tinyurl.com/nxakma

Get help with following your plan here: http://www.careerandliferenew.com/page11.htm

Where is Your Comfort Zone?

Do you have one? It’s possible you are sitting there right now! A comfort zone is a place where we stay because we feel safe there, in familiar surroundings. No unsettling surprises. No uncomfortable stretching. Just the familiar sights and sounds that we've grown used to. Sounds like a nice place, doesn't it? Well, not all, if any, comfort zones are nice. They can be negative places and experiences, with toxic people all around. They could hold us captive and steal our dreams. But because we are at least familiar with our comfort zones, and know what to expect, we become "acclimatized" to the negativity and toxins. And so we stay there.


Your comfort zone could be the safe place of poverty and underachievement. It doesn't feel good. You envy those who have fled it. But you can't see life any other way. Just where or how would you start? The last person you know who escaped "The Zone" spent several years studying far into the night. And kept talking of a new career and retraining. Then there was that couple down the road who gave up their steady (but low-paid) jobs. You heard they started a business together. Good for them, but frightening to you. Imagine what it would be like if you failed! Your comfort zone could be an abusive relationship, a self-sabotaging habit, a dead-end job or a boring routine. But because it is what you know, and are used to, you stick with it.


Why not take a moment to examine your current life and career situations? Are you in a comfort zone? Are your present habits, values, choices and associations moving you forward or holding you captive? Following are some points to ponder:

1. If you consider yourself to be in a comfort zone at present, describe this zone.

2. What would your life look like 5 years from now, if you remained in your comfort zone?

3. Why do you think you remain in your comfort zone? If you have fears, name these.

4. What, if anything, could you gain from leaving your comfort zone?

5. Do you want whatever it is that you stand to gain from leaving this zone?

6. What would it take for you to leave this zone?

7. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to leave your comfort zone?

8. What support do you need to help you leave your comfort zone?

9. How could you obtain this support?

10. When are you ready to take action? Put in place a written plan. Seek the support you require and get started.


For further information and support to escape a crippling comfort zone, you may contact Oma at info@careerandliferenew.com or visit Oma's new website : http://www.careerandliferenew.com

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