Q. I see people smashing records, collecting awards, and I wonder – what’s their secret? I’ve got ambition, but also doubts. Do they? How do you stay upbeat and focused when progress feels slow and the competition fierce?
It’s tempting to look at the winners of the awards and assume they must have it all figured out. But the truth is, everyone in business (yep, even award winners) have moments of doubt.
The difference isn’t that they never feel it, but that they’ve learned how to keep moving forward despite the discomfort. It’s the old ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ adage (tips hat to Susan Jeffers who wrote a book of the same title).
The high performers I spend time with have this in common: they are disciplined at maintaining the core foundations of business building… setting goals that stretch, showing up consistently on the days they don’t feel like it, seeking support when they need it, and they keep reconnecting with why they do the work. It’s not glamorous or a magic-wand moment (sorry), but it works.
When progress feels slow, asking yourself these questions can help shake things up:
Is this goal aligned with my values? Goals tied to deeper purpose carry more energy.
What’s the smallest step forward I can celebrate today? Small wins build momentum.
Are the people and habits around me fuelling or draining me? Your inputs shape your outlook.
Perseverance is moving forward with doubt riding shotgun. The peeps who ended up on stage didn’t succeed because the path was easy. They got there because they kept their eyes on the long game. Stay clear on your purpose, keep taking the next step, and you’ll find your own version of success – awards or not.
If you have a question that you’d like answered by psychotherapist Bronwyn Penhaligon in the Your Health in Mind section of The Adviser, you can email your question in confidence to [email protected].
Or if you feel you need more support, you can visit penhaligons.com.au to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
