Following Through
Posted on: January 18, 2011
I’ve come up with a new mantra: Following through is fun! That being said, if you are inspired, energised and excited by beginning projects rather than completing them, following through may feel foreign, uncomfortable, or just plain difficult. Whether you find following through challenging or easy, read on.
In golf as in life, it’s the follow through that makes the difference.
Anon
A golfer lines up the ball, makes contact, and follows through the swing long after the ball’s in flight. Without this follow through the ball veers off in a haphazard direction rather than the one intended. It’s the same in business. It’s not uncommon for people to become distracted by the pursuit of the next big thing before finishing what was started. Then what? Not much. Failing to follow through can result in inconsistency, poor results, and ruined reputations [for more information about following through, visit the Myers Briggs Type Indicator section on our website].
Anecdote: As a young girl at the swimming club competitions, Judy was known for being first off the blocks, leaving her rivals in her wake. But then something would change. With spectators cheering her on, willing her to win, Judy’s focus would fade and her challengers would forge ahead. Who took home the trophies? Not Judy. What can be learned from Judy’s story? While the beginning of a project can be fun and exciting, without following through little is accomplished leaving you, and those around you, saying “So what?”
If you struggle with following through these tips might help.
Focus. Be crystal clear about your goal. Is it the sense of power and precision that comes with a hole in one? Is it the accolades of the admiring crowds? Is it the gold cup/champion’s pay cheque/photo in the paper? Being clear about what you want will help you follow through.
Passion. Following through requires vision, endurance and the passion to succeed. Without the passion, what’s the point?
Fun. Following through is fun. And it feels good, too. You can count on a good night’s sleep when you go to bed having followed through on your day’s promises, tasks and commitments.
Remember: Without following through nothing gets completed.
Tip: Keeping the benefits of following through at the forefront of your mind maintains momentum and motivation.
Technical: Are you a person who follows through naturally or do you struggle to complete? The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) identifies personality preferences on four dichotomies, including how you like to live your life when it comes to following through.
Caution: Failing to follow through leaves you with only possibilities and no results.
Finally: Following through ensures a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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