Satisfied Or Scared: Why You Aren't Climbing The Ladder

In an earlier post, “When is it too early to quit?,” I focused on never giving up. This post will talk about when it’s time move on. Quitting a fruitless activity is not the same as giving up before reaching your break through point. The difference is not only prospective but also production. If you are doing all you can do to achieve a goal but you aren’t making any progress, you have to stop and reevaluate what you are doing. One of the questions you must ask yourself during your evaluation is, “Am I satisfied with what I am doing or am I scared to work harder to move forward?” When we set goals, we should also set a realistic timetable to evaluate progress. Self evaluations are critical to answering the question, “Am I satisfied or am I scared?” As you evaluate, keep these wise nuggets of advice from some of history’s great achievers in mind:

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"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein

Zig Ziglar, the late great motivational speaker tells us that the meaning of F.E.A.R. is false evidence appearing real. Fear is an illusion.

“What would you do if you weren't afraid?” - Dr. Spencer Johnson, “Who Moved My Cheese?”

Dr. Johnson’s book, Who Moved My Cheese, reminds us that regular evaluation is important by offering these suggestions:

• Smell the cheese often to see if it’s getting old.
• Movement in a new direction brings new cheese.
• Old beliefs do not lead to new cheese.
• When you move beyond your fear you feel free.

As you make new plans for the future, remember Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Progress is the activity of today and the assurance of tomorrow." Whether you’re satisfied or afraid, remember, tomorrow doesn’t create itself. It's built on what we do today. Never settle! Be productive. Here is a quick checklist for self evaluation:

1. Set a timetable to evaluate your progress.

Give yourself a definite checkpoint to make sure you are making progress and you are not wasting time and effort.

2. Find a mentor.

Connect with someone who has done what you are working towards. Doing the work may cloud your vision. Someone who has already done it can help you evaluate your progress as an outsider looking in.

3. Move beyond your comfort zone.

JD Houston (@jdhoustonsworld), an award winning radio/TV personality, says, “If you want something you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something you’ve never done!”

4. Find an accountability partner.

This can be your mentor or it can be an additional motivating voice. This is someone you trust that won’t let you get complacent, hide from a challenge and will cheer and celebrate your success. When you make self evaluation and a trusted support system a part of your growth process you will have a clear answer when you ask yourself, “Am I satisfied or am I scared?” You can connect with Damien L. Butler (Damien@manifest1.com) and Manifest One Empowerment Group (www.manifest1.com) on Twitter @DamienLButler and @TheManifestOne; on LinkedIn and see them on YouTube at 5 River Rocks TV!Enjoy this article? You've got time for another! Check out these related articles:

• 5 Secrets To Climbing The Career Ladder
• 3 Steps To Create Your Own Career Development Plan
• Career Development Feedback Or Feedforward?

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