Sometimes we have objectives that elude us over a long period of time. When this happens, we usually remain unaware of the situation, until by "happenstance" the question arises: "Why haven't I accomplished that?" Here are some of the "answers" that enable continuation of the status quo.
- Something came up and I put everything else on hold.
- I made progress, but then I came to where I didn't know what to do.
- I came to where I had to make a choice, and I couldn't make up my mind.
- I came to where I had to make a choice, and I chose another path, which now seems to be a mistake, but I can't fix it right now.
- I can see how to get something like what I want, but it isn't exactly right, so I'm waiting.
- I found something really interesting to do, and that got me off track, but I'm back now.
- I've had a lot on my plate, but I plan to get moving now.
- I have a lot on my plate right now, but I plan to get moving soon.
- I think I'll be having a lot on my plate soon, but I plan to get moving after that.
- It looks like changes are coming, and I might get what I want without having to do anything, so I'm waiting.
- Somebody needed my help and I had to give her (him) all my attention.
- To make progress, I'd have to give up what I'm doing, and since I like what I'm doing OK, it seems too risky.
- Somebody I respect advised me to give it up.
- Somebody I don't respect advised me to give it up, but since even an idiot can be right once in a while, I gave it up.
- I noticed that someone else is much further along, and it seemed like I would probably lose out, so I gave up.
- I can see how to get
something like what
I want, but it isn't
exactly right, so I'm waitingIt looked like there would be a big obstacle a few months (years) down the road, so I'm waiting to see if I can find a way around. - I heard there would be a better opportunity someday, so I decided to wait.
- It does look good, but there are some serious problems with it, so I'm going slow.
- They told me it was a done deal, and I had a lock on it, so I waited for the announcement, and then it went to someone else. Now I'm just disgusted.
- If I go for it and I fail, I'll lose credibility and then I'll never be able to get what I want ever again.
Maybe now would be a good time to see what your own personal list looks like. Or maybe you can do it later. Top Next Issue
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More articles on Personal, Team, and Organizational Effectiveness:
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See also Personal, Team, and Organizational Effectiveness for more related articles.
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