We essentially have two weeks left in the year. Sure, it is actually three but in many businesses, that week between Christmas and New Years is not so conducive to getting a lot of people together. I believe that this is a good thing. People need time off and need time with their families. We need to reflect on our year and on our blessings and to really examine our beliefs and expectations.
That being said, the end of the year can add a lot of pressure to an executive’s life if the thinking, planning and preparation haven’t been sufficient to finish the year strong. You see we can do a whole lot to manage to this. I used to get on everyone else’s agenda and process. Then, I became a hard driving, you gotta do it today not tomorrow, please do this for me as a favor, assertive salesperson. I did very well with that, actually. People are amazingly kind and like to feel like they are helping both you and themselves at the same time. They were, because they were often getting better pricing or a guarantee on the schedule or some other benefit to moving forward now.
Now, more than ever, I want people to do what they truly believe is going to be best for them and for their organization. I want them to be comfortable but stretched beyond the norm and fully committed to their decision. Only then will they really do well in the end. If they are doing something under duress or because someone “sold” them on doing it before they are really ready, that ultimately serves no one.
However, sometimes people need another reason or perhaps permission to move forward and stop procrastinating. There is always a reason to wait. There just is. There can be a hundred more behind it. The question is pretty simple, like I said to a strong, sassy, wonderful businesswoman yesterday, “Do you believe this is the right thing for you and your organization?” If the answer is yes, then why wait? Really waiting serves no purpose if the decision has been made. Timing and scheduling can all be worked out, the money will be found perhaps in creative new solutions, and the team will come together under strong leadership, if someone really wants to move forward.
So, I am bold and point out the facts. If you really need more information in order to make a decision then by all means, take your time and do that. But if you were convinced weeks or months ago, you have known in your gut, and have just been stalling, it is fear and procrastination stopping you again and you have to step out in courage. You are worth it.
I encourage you to be bolder and to follow your instincts more fully and more quickly. I know that is easier said than done when you see a finite pool of resources, but you would be amazed at what happens when you act as if it is infinite. It is the difference between walking a straight line on pavement and walking a tightrope 100 feet in the air. It is all in the mind and your results will prove it out, either way.
