How to Get Out of Your Own Way

As much as we conduct ourselves professionally and follow through on the commitments we make to others, we often fall short when it comes to the promises we make to ourselves. Most of our business development shortcomings can be tracked to a plan or intention that we failed to implement. We console ourselves with mediocre excuses that we would never dare use on a client or colleague. As a result, our reputation among our peers remains unblemished even as we consistently disappoint ourselves.

"Too busy" is our most common excuse. Ironically, it is also the crux of the problem. We are so busy servicing smaller clients that we never seem to have adequate time to pursue more significant ones. We are so busy maintaining our momentum with our current referral sources that we can't invest the time necessary to find better ones. Treading water leaves little time or energy for the race.

But this race is won one lap at a time. So think about one initiative, just one, that you have not gotten around to (you busy bee you). Perhaps it's a lunch you’ve been meaning to schedule. Perhaps it's an industry conference you been meaning to attend. Perhaps it's a significant client you’ve been meaning to call (or call on)... if only you had the time. And today, just to change it up a bit, you’re going to promise yourself you’ll do it and then keep that promise—even though you're too busy.

Authored by David Ackert