Top performers share the need for self assessment and self improvement. They have a hunger to get better and move ahead in their careers. Think about people like Steve Jobs, Ginni Rometty, and Richard Branson.
How can we learn from these people who make success look so easy? Let’s start with a simple self evaluation process. While there are many fine tools available, I’ve found that some are too complicated or costly for many to use. And if you’re not able to review yourself, how can you make targeted improvements?
Instead I want you to Clear the Path to increased productivity by answering two questions:
I’m not as good as I used to be at…
Like the middle aged, out of shape athlete, it may be a good idea to focus on what you are, rather than what you were.
Think about what you did really well, five years ago. Are you still at the top of your game? Are you behind on your training or new technologies.
Being a bit out of shape isn’t the end of the world when it comes to your skills. You’re simply deficient or out of practice. This can be easily fixed. If you were good at something once, then you can be good at it again.
You may have lost the hunger to be as successful in this arena. Can you recapture the hunger or decide it’s time for a change?
The big thing here is to have the desire to want to get back to where you used to be or understand that you need to find something that engages you more.
I’m now better at…
Consider what you do really well. How did you get better and why did you make the change?
If you’re good at something, should you be doing it more?
Finally, can this process be applied to other areas in your career? Duplication of success is much more likely when you can follow a proven formula.
These are two simple questions that will force you to take a serious look at your productivity skills. The key is being willing to be honest in your self assessment and courageous enough to act on what you learn.
