Some times plateaus are unavoidable. On every long car journey that we take there will come a time when we have to pull over for 5 minutes. Times when we know we aren't going to make any further progress until we make that stop. Usually these occur after we have made exceptional progress.
However, it can be easy to get stuck in one of these flat spots. Maybe it's in your job where you have become expert at your role or without much fuss you have blown the target again. It might be down at the gym where the same old workout is no longer producing the improvements that it used to. Of course it is very comfortable on this plateau, yet you know that if you stay here you are missing out on all of the opportunities that further improvement has to offer.So here are some strategies and tactics for breaking through any plateau.
What is “the voice“telling you?
Listen to the voice in your head. What is this plateau telling you? Have you become tired of your old goals? Do you need re invigorating? Are bad habits keeping you stuck?Reflect on why you are not progressing. Commit your thoughts to paper.
New and Bigger Challenges
We all know that if we are to run a marathon we need to train diligently to become fit enough to complete the gruelling race. Once we have completed the marathon we have a choice. We can stop training and be proud of the fact that we once completed a marathon. Or we can strive to improve our placing or our time in the next race. This means that you are going to have to train harder in preparation of that challenge. Is your plateau telling you that you have to dig deeper and set new challenges for yourself?
A Different Approach
Your plateau may be telling you that you need to change how you do things. Maybe you believe have sold as much as you can in your market--now you need to work on complimentary products or services.
A Different Challenge
Sometimes the plateau follows goal achievement. You have nailed what you set out to do. Well done on that. While it is important that you celebrate your accomplishment, it is equally important that you find a new challenge--it could be a new product, service, market etc.
Take a Break
Back to the car journey: At times in any new journey there will be a time when we need to stop driving. We may need to admire the scenery. Use this opportunity to relax and rest. Spend time with your family. Re examine your goals and aspirations. Don’t forget to make your journey enjoyable. Have fun on the way!
What is the next level for you?
One of the tried and trusted ways of getting to your next level is what we call Be, Do, Have. The best way to get to the Next Level is find somebody who can help you to set new challenges for yourself, somebody who can facilitate your movement from where you are now to where you truly desire to be. Find a coach who is trained and qualified to draw out your goals and aspirations and to create a plan for achieving them.
By Cyril Dunworth - Business Coach, Ology Business Coaching - Longford, Ireland
21-Nov-2008