Common Follow-Through Pitfalls

In the pursuit of our business goals (or any goals), one of the most significant challenges we face is follow-through. Whether it's turning ideas into action or overcoming procrastination, mastering follow-through is essential for achieving success. Today, we'll explore some common pitfalls in follow-through- those sneaky obstacles that can derail even the most desirable goals.

So, if you're ready to learn how to navigate these pitfalls and make real progress on your goals, then keep reading!

Not Getting It All Out of Your Head

Picture this: you've got a brilliant idea or a goal you're excited to pursue. You can see it clearly in your mind's eye – the steps you need to take, the obstacles you might encounter, the ultimate outcome. But there's just one problem: it's all stuck swirling around in your head like a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas.

Sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. One of the most common pitfalls in follow-through is failing to get your ideas out of your head and onto paper. When we keep everything locked up in our minds, it's easy to become overwhelmed or forget important details. But by taking the time to write down your goals, plans, and ideas, you can create a roadmap for success and free up mental space for more important tasks.

Not Putting It on Your Schedule

Alright, you've written down your goals and made a plan of action. Now what? Well, if you're serious about following through, it's time to put those plans into action by scheduling them into your calendar.

You see, one of the biggest pitfalls in follow-through is failing to allocate time for your goals and commitments. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and let your goals fall by the wayside. But by scheduling dedicated time for your tasks and appointments, you can ensure that you stay on track and make steady progress towards your goals.

So, grab your calendar and start blocking out time for your goals – you'll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish when you make follow-through a priority. 

Assuming You Will Want to Do It When the Time Comes

Ah, the age-old trap of assuming that motivation will magically appear when the time comes to take action. How many times have you put off a task or procrastinated on a goal because you just didn't "feel like doing it" in the moment?

If you're anything like me, the answer is probably too many to count. But here's the thing: relying on motivation to carry you through is a recipe for disaster. Motivation is fickle and fleeting – it can't be relied upon to show up when you need it most.

Instead of waiting for motivation to strike, try adopting a more disciplined approach to follow-through. Commit to taking action, even when you don't feel like it, and watch as your motivation follows suit. Remember, it's not about waiting for the perfect moment – it's about creating the perfect moment through consistent action. 

Assuming That There Will Be No Distractions

Raise your hand if you've ever been derailed from your goals by unexpected distractions or interruptions. Yep, mine's up too.

The truth is, life is full of distractions. Whether it's urgent calls, emails, or "something better" popping up at the last minute, there's always something vying for our attention. But here's the thing: successful follow-through isn't about avoiding distractions altogether – it's about learning how to navigate them with determination, grace and resilience.

So, instead of assuming that there will be no distractions, prepare for them. Anticipate potential obstacles and have a plan in place for how you'll handle them when they arise. By staying flexible and adaptable, you can ensure that nothing stands in the way of your goals. 

Not Directing Your Inner Dialogue

Last but certainly not least, let's talk about the importance of directing your inner dialogue. You see, the way we talk to ourselves – our inner thoughts and beliefs – has a powerful influence on our behavior and actions.

If you're constantly berating yourself or doubting your abilities,or worrying about worse case scenarios; it's going to be much harder to follow through on your goals. But by cultivating a supportive and empowering inner dialogue, you can boost your confidence, motivation, and resilience in the face of obstacles.

So, take a moment to reflect on your inner dialogue. Are your thoughts helping or hindering your progress? Does it seem like there is always a voice telling you that you can't or you won't?  If so, it's time to make a change. Not one that argues with or dismisses any part of the dialogue, but participates more fully.

Follow-through is not always easy, but it is always worth it. By recognizing and avoiding these common pitfalls, you can set yourself up for success and achieve your revenue and impact goals.

And if you want support on exactly how to implement these solutions, join me in The Self Trust Lab.  Learn more at https://www.theselftrustcoach.com/THESELFTRUSTLAB.