I always find this time of year interesting because of the large number of parents disconsolately saying if only young Oliver / Emily / Andrew etc. had just applied themselves a little more in their exams. Now what are they going to do? – What’s our Plan B?

As a Leadership trainer and coach I see more than my fair share of people aspiring to become better managers / leaders / parents and I spend a lot of time telling people that it doesn’t matter how many times you tell yourself you can do it – it won’t just happen unless you actually commit yourself and take action and consistently keep at it.

Putting it bluntly, “Stop whinging and DO something about it!”

Seek to move forwards

It is a simple enough process.

Set your mind on what it is that you want to do and write your GOALS down – look up SMART goals on YouTube.

Work towards your goals – develop a Personal Development Plan (look up PDP on YouTube).

Do the work!  (You don’t need YouTube for this bit).

Coach John Wooden said, “There is no substitute for hard work. If you’re looking for the easy way, if you’re looking for the trick, you might get by for a while, but you will not be developing the talents that lie within you. There is simply no substitute for work.”

Credit: Image from izquotes.com

Fake it ’till you make it!

Those who tell you to fake it until you make it don’t always understand the concept. It was originally developed as role playing and is a recognised principle in cognitive behavioural therapy, usually used to aid people with low self-esteem. If you don’t have low self-esteem, why are you faking it when you should actually be making it? There are somethings in life that you cannot fake and there is NO substitute for experience – ask any combat veteran.  Once you have gained experience and knowledge of the task at hand, then you can start working towards management and leadership.

Stop Complaining

Decide where you are heading and step out – Stop complaining about the stuff that didn’t happen – You cannot start the next chapter of your life whilst you keep reading the last one! Get to a place where you are surrounded by people who inspire you, who are creative (sounds like The Improvables, my theatre Improv group) and do something that will benefit you and those around you!

Best of luck – If you need some help along the way – give me a call – I may come across as blunt, but I am an “honest feedback” coach and I have learned over the years that honest truths work best for both my clients and myself.

Takeaway: We live in the moment, so stop wasting your time complaining about it and do something positive to fix it!