“You are never a loser until you quit trying.” ~ Mike Ditka
AUTOPILOT, cruise control and other automated systems are great tools. I highly recommend them. Putting systems in place allows you prioritize your schedule, giving you the time needed to complete the important and time-consuming tasks.
My life — and long drives — would not be the same without these tools. I encourage you to seek out and use as many great tools as you can to help automate and streamline your life and career. However, there is one caution I would share.
Mike Ditka got it right; I don’t believe you fail at anything unless you stop trying. Don’t believe you can set the cruise control and assume you can stop trying. You are still in charge of the wheel! Using automation tools does not let you off the hook for the important work that needs to be done. You must continue to identity and manage the high value tasks.
What are some of those high value tasks?
- Put the time and effort into ensuring key people know your goals.
- Be sure you know your next ideal step.
- Communicate your goals to your network and your boss.
- Keep a list of key people looking to hire people who do what you do.
- Be a seeker of “opportunities.”
- Grow and hone your skills.
- Talk to people monthly who do what you want to do next.
- Watch trends and the market.
- Create a pipeline of opportunities.
- Build relationships in various segments of your profession and industry.
And, how do you go about managing those high value tasks?
- Set up systems to reach out and stay in touch with key people.
- Schedule specific activities. Example: Call EVP, schedule lunch, share quarterly results and upcoming personal goals.
- Create a specific plan for achieving your next career step.
- Execute one important, focused task each week.
Doing these four things will make you feel like your career is on autopilot. It will ensure you know what you are doing each week, month, and year, to continue to move your career forward and to get the important things done without undue stress.
AUTOPILOT is a great tool — just be sure you apply the brakes (at least weekly) to slow down and take action. You will love the results.
This article and its message are very apropos to me right now. I have lost sight of the high-value things by allowing myself to be distracted by minutia. And, I am just getting back on track. So this reminder couldn’t have come at a better time. Thank you.
Lilia – so delighted this was a reminder for you. May you never overlook high-value things going forward nor may you be distracted by minutia. You have so much to offer the world – please go to it. Have an amazing day!