I recently attended the National Speakers Association Convention in Indianapolis. It’s a high energy event featuring some of the best professional speakers from around the world. But when I returned home, motivation soon turned to overwhelm. I find many clients experience the same when they return from a leadership conference, strategic planning retreat or professional association convention. How about you? Can you even find your notes from your last event? Some people spend time trying to “catch up on work” after the event. Instead spend time figuring out how you’ll “go forward with your work” after the event. Best case scenario — You’ll realize what you thought you should catch up on doesn’t matter as much. You know you need to take action, but you’ve got too many ideas in your head. You may feel paralyzed wondering, “What should I do first?” Here are five tips to help you continue your momentum after the event: 1. Check your goals first. Before you take any action, answer the question, “What do you want to accomplish?” Otherwise you risk trying tactics that may or may not get the real results you desire. By framing your actions in the context of a goal, you’re more likely to identify the best action items. You’ll be more strategic. 2. Stick to three. Once you’ve identified your goals as a result of the event, prioritize them. Work on your top three priorities. Keep the others on your radar. Focused attention on fewer items will speed your progress. 3. Debrief. Talk to someone else within your organization or network about what you learned and what you intend to do. You’ll be forced to organize your thoughts. This will reinforce your commitment to action and clarify next steps. It may help the other person as well in some way. 4. Reconnect…quickly. Identify key people you met or engaged with during the event. Determine best ways to follow up with them to build the relationship. My suggestion: Within a day or two, send a quick email to let them know you enjoyed meeting them, or you appreciated what they contributed to the event. Send a LinkedIn invitation with a personalized message. Provide something of value to them — a connection to someone in your network, a tip related to their business, an article, etc. 5. Monitor your mindset. If you’re not taking the action you know you need to take, something’s holding you back. And it’s probably you! What are you resisting? What’s keeping you from taking action? Do any of these thoughts sound familiar? “I don’t know if this will work.” “This is out of my comfort zone.” “I need to think about it some more.” “What will people think?” Replace those self-limiting beliefs with statements like these: “What if this does work?” “If I’m out of my comfort zone, I’m in my growth zone.” “I’ve thought enough to take a step.” “What will I think of myself if I don’t try?” Be in a mindset of “Go and Grow.” Do something. Learn. Repeat. This is how you grow. You have important goals at stake. Get out of your own way. Take a step, then readjust if you have to. Increase your determination. Eventually your determination to reach your goals will override any issues or fears that hold you back. Supercharge your commitment to achieve your vision — and to make a difference that only you can make!
|
