Last week, we discussed the 7 characteristics shared by the most productive professionals. This week, I have been thinking further on that score, and have been wondering how I could help others implement a strategy to achieve their goals.

Here are 6 implementation strategies that I have found work well:

1. Focus. Pick your passion / goal. Start by brainstorming and make a “shopping list” of all the things you would like to work on or achieve. Then narrow that list down to 2 or 3 of your highest priorities and focus on them.

2. Put Your Feet on the Ground. This is a metaphor drawn from my own enthusiasm for “get moving now” in general, and for running in particular. You won’t get anywhere lying in bed. Most mornings, I have to remind myself – first, put your feet on the ground. After that, it becomes easier.

3. Commitment. Set your schedule and stick to it. Some days you won’t feel like doing whatever it is you’re trying to focus on. Do it anyway.

4. Repetition. Quality repetitions can be your best friend when you truly want to succeed at something. Repetition is the mother of skill. It’s repetition which brings you real improvement, as well as building your confidence. If I want to train for a ½ marathon, I won’t be ready in a day, or a week. Wash, rinse, repeat. Hard work is the bedrock of confidence.

5. Persistence. Keep at it. If it takes a little longer than you thought, that’s fine. Don’t give up on your goal just because it’s hard to achieve.

6. Monitor Your Progress. Find a way – find an app, keep a log – whatever tool works for you. But track your progress.

I run. My assistant is an aspiring writer. My daughter, Meghan, has been training this summer as a kayaking instructor.

I discuss goals with my team, my wife, my daughter and my clients. All of us have found that the above tools serve us very well.

I try to get up at 4:20 a.m., six days a week, and head for the gym or the park for a run. Whether I feel like it or not. And, lo and behold, even on the hardest days, I am grateful that I took that first step.

Meghan, our daughter, recently got her kayaking and lifeguard training. She began kayaking on “skill rivers” in North Carolina, and now has graduated to rapids. I’ve heard the pleasure in her voice when she speaks of her growing skill and confidence (my own pleasure in her growth is no less than hers – I’m so proud of her).

If you feel you are stuck in a rut toward a particular goal, try the above tools, and keep on trying. You may find, in time, that you’ve already reached your initial goal, and set another further down your road.

What suggestions do you have on achieving goals? Click here to email me directly.

Please do consider sharing your thoughts with us, and feel free to share this blog post.

Until next Wednesday –

Peace,

Eric