Have you considered what might be possible?
Thinking about the future can be both an exciting and frustrating activity. It is engaging to conceive what could be evolved or created, stimulating a determination to reach these ends. In opposition to this, it can be disheartening to consider all the things you wish to change and the vision you wish to reach, when the reality before you is quite different, particularly if you don’t believe you have the means to enact this transformation.
Harness your frustration
These different reactions tend to vary, dependent on the mindset of the thinker. Some of us are more kind to ourselves than others. Feeling fulfilled and positive about our achievements is the goal we all desire, but I would argue that a sense of frustration can be advantageous too.
If you are not entirely happy with an aspect of your business, this dissatisfaction should drive you to improve or remove it. Without this sense that things could be better, it can be all to easy to accept something that is just OK. In my experience, leaders tend to push against this approach, with their ambition propelling them to new levels. If you have had an integral part in building your business, this mindset will already be ingrained within you.
Staying in your comfort zone vs. Knowing what’s right
Often to make improvement requires you to step outside of your comfort zone. This is because your current knowledge has got you this far, but to develop effectively, a new, or expanded, skillset might be required. This may well feel daunting, but trust in yourself; with an investment in effort, you will be surprised how quickly you can broaden your expertise.
Whilst being an important piece of advice, ‘get out of your comfort zone’ has become something of a cliché. Alongside it, I would like to add the caveat that deep down ‘you will know what is right.’ I say this because some leaders will feel under pressure to come up with new ideas, and with this motive, grab at chances that might not be correct for their company. Interrogate each situation and opportunity carefully, you will know what is fundamentally right and what is not.
Be optimistic
Leaders tend to be optimistic, as they have the ability to communicate a better vision to those around them. Some would argue that being an optimist can lead to disappointment, as the goals set will often fall short, or might never be realised at all. Don’t let this discourage you. Optimism is a gift.
Being realistic about the targets you wish to hit can be useful in gauging their achievability, but this should not slip into full pessimism. Let pessimism take over and you may experience the following:
1) A fear of failure – This will inhibit your progress as you become too tentative in your decision making. Every action will seem perilous, so you may well slip into inertia.
2) A fear of success – This form of pessimism is less obvious, but can be equally restrictive. Some leaders will hesitate in their progressive mission, because they are uncertain of what success might bring and whether their company, or even their own personality, is strong enough to cope.
Try to free yourself of those fears by considering your options with an optimistic excitement and a logical detachment.
Reframe your perspective – Rethink the future
Often, the biggest obstacle to leaders in achieving their vision, is the mental restrictions they impose themselves. Doubt is the greatest inhibitor and must be minimised to facilitate productive action. If this applies to you, you must reframe your perspective, so you have the confidence to push your company forward. If there are areas where you lack knowledge or expertise, develop these so you feel assured in your decisions.
Once you have refreshed the way in which you view your organisation, you can begin to rethink the future in line with this dynamic mindset. Energised by this you can remedy the frustrations you have with your business and begin to consider what might be possible.
The coaching I provide has been specifically designed so leaders can take a step back and reframe effectively. By finding this new way of thinking, you will realise that it is well within your capabilities to create a future which aligns with your aspirations.
So much of this is about personal confidence and once you have it, who knows where you and your company might go.
If any of the themes covered in this article resonate with you, please book a free discovery call with me here…