How to Act on the Best of Intentions at Work

Most people know what it takes to succeed, but never seem to get around to putting that knowledge into practice. They have the best of intentions, but somehow always seem to stop just short of carrying them out. They talk themselves out of doing things, squash out-of-the-box ideas, and doubt their ability to succeed. The best of intentions appear for a fleeting moment; then fade away just as quickly. Sometimes, despite careful planning and the best of intentions, life works out differently than expected. When this happens, follow these three simple yet potent strategies to encourage you when your best intentions fail and you feel a certain lack of motivation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with a plan. Make your plan simple and feasible. We've all been in this position at one time or another. We mistakenly think that as long as we have good intentions, a positive attitude and focused mindset towards our work, everything will be fine. But until we stop trying to talk ourselves out of lucrative career opportunities or new and innovative assignments, we will not begin to understand how to achieve real success.

2. Don't get discouraged. Guilt, blame and pity-parties are a waste of precious energy and time. Intentions are powerful because they exist internally and are stimulated by the will. Experts say that most people have good intentions but stop short or give up way too soon, and that 77% or more of our self-talk is negative no matter how positive our intentions are overall.

3. Be honest and do what you say you will do. Follow through on your commitments, no matter the sacrifice. Intentions are little more than the things you are thinking about doing or carrying out. Through perseverance and with determination, try transforming "thinking about" and "fixin-to" into "been there" and "done that".

Tips & Warnings

• Use the resources below to help you put your best intentions into practice.

Resources

• Put Your Best Intentions Into Practice

[Limowreck]

on 6/17/2008 Great article!

[bront3]

on 6/17/2008 Good advice!