PICK A TRACK, PICK YOUR LANE
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Getting off track?
Betting back on track?
Who needs a track?
I don’t think we do.
I don’t believe we fit one mode or model of managing our way, whether through life or our daily list of tasks.
A few days ago, I watched a business planning video tutorial. It was focused on a real estate industry selling concept and services, so while it may be industry-specific, the thrust of its message can apply across a wide range of sectors.
Just the same, it was full of thoughtful comments about planning.
It omitted any commentary about self-assessment of how things are currently wholly focused on the mechanics of planning – to set oneself up for success next year with a plan, a calendar, and a mindset is the essential starting point (I agree, huge factors), but without sufficient emphasis that those all need to be in sync. Otherwise, it’s only an exercise that produces goals and objectives, tasks and record keeping – but I doubt it sets the stage for anyone breaking any records.
I see many people I’ve encountered, and I refer to those still struggling and down on their luck from the difficulties of recent years, as well as the high-intensity treadmill-racing folks on fire.
They seem to be either lost or unsure how they can find their way out of this year, let alone think about how they might springboard into next year. Maybe springboard is the wrong word; for some, that’s how you vault the horse in gymnastics, but it can also refer to a diving board at a swimming pool. The pool should be full of water (divers should check!), and it helps if they can swim.
As a non-swimmer myself, I’m using that term metaphorically, and sink or swim does not mean we risk drowning in reality. Still, I look around and see people who are, while others are gasping for air ~ the apparent disconnect many people feel this time of year.
Easy to question if we are on track, off track or went all year on accident …
Part of planning is looking back and assessing what we might do in the year ahead with what we did last year. For me, it’s the opposite. I aimed to get things on track with specific goals about shifting and concentrating my focus. Then real life got in my way.
Reality – things we cannot control, an omnipresent factor; we can plan for ‘some of that’ or make plans as if the unexpected won’t show up. But it does.
Showing up for ourselves, knowing the landscape is always uncertain, is essential to executing a plan, so it strikes me that ‘showing up,’ in terms of attitude essentials and process to keep on track are as important (perhaps more important) than the tasks, schedules and availability in our work plan.
This year something unexpected showed up, and it changed my life. In the coming year, I expect more learning and adjustment as the newness wanes and the more intricate work unfolds – and I’m thrilled I have that on my plan, clear to me and present every day.