Everyone has dreams, but not everyone makes their dreams into goals. You may have a few of these too.
In the realm of interviewing, be it investigations, auditing, compliance or wherever you find yourself, do you dream and imagine things but seldom accomplish them? Do you ever make them goals? Part of establishing goals is effective planning and I have written and teach a ton on planning.
Back when I taught for the federal government I was referred to as the “planning monster.” Why? Well, the one reason is that studies indicated that only one in ten interviews has sufficient planning before initiation. Coupled with that is my experience that poor planning results in poor results. Quality planning results in our ability to establish goals and to work to fulfill them.
What are the reasons you tell yourself late at night to put the shutdown on making them a reality? These reasons are beliefs that you have, but that doesn’t mean they are valid reasons.
- Not Enough Time
Everyone is busy these days. When someone asks how you are doing, you probably respond with “Busy.” But that might not be the truth. Everyone has the same twenty-four hours in the day. For a week or maybe two, keep a time ladder of how you spent your time. This includes sleeping, preparing and eating meals, social media, getting ready for work, cleaning your house. Take a good look at how your time is spent, and you might realize you have more time than you realize. Tell me that doesn’t affect interview, investigation, and audit planning.
- I Don’t Have ‘X’ Talent
It doesn’t matter if you want to write a book or paint a picture, you have as much talent as you are willing to work for. You may not have been born with the natural ability to paint, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn and practice.
When it comes to teaching, by personality I am an introvert, but that doesn’t stop me from being an effective trainer, because my goals and focus allow for me to accomplish something that isn’t necessarily “natural.”
- After ‘X’ I Will Do It
“Once I get through this (insert tough project at work), I will start training for that marathon.” “After I lose twenty pounds, I will take a salsa dancing class.” Why are you waiting? Maybe that marathon training will help you work through the stress of that project at work. Perhaps salsa dancing lessons will allow you realize that no matter your weight, your body is worthy of fun and movement. If you have a goal, go for it now.
It is much easier to procrastinate yourself right out of growth. I have done it so many times when the real issue probably was, I was being lazy. I didn’t want to plan and set goals to make it happen for long-term success and growth.
- I’m Not Good Enough
What ruler are you using to measure your “good enough”? You are always good enough to go after your own dreams and goals. If this is an internal dialogue, then you need to work on liking and loving yourself first. If this belief is coming from external sources, then consider those sources and if they are holding you back.
What is the motive of those external sources and why are you having the internal conversation. One thing I tell interviewers all the time is that we are all different, but we must be comfortable in our own skin to have the confidence and credibility in the interview room for success.
- ‘X’ Person Has it Easier
The grass is greener where you water it. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. There are many sayings that sum up that you really don’t know what someone else is going through. So do not assume that someone has it easier, and therefore can achieve their goals while you cannot. That person may think you have it easier or better.
It is always much more beneficial to focus on your own path and focus. Stop worrying about others. Optimize your abilities within the arena that you find yourself.
Self-limiting beliefs can be a slippery slope. They can also keep you from even trying to reach your goals. Take time to examine your reasoning and come up with better beliefs (and likely more accurate) to counter the negative ones.
So start setting goals. Look at last week’s blog and understand how being an effective communicator intersects with this. Then look one week further back to see if you care enough, and have the passion to make this happen.
Anderson Investigative Associates is positioned to custom-tailor training to your specific needs. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the above issue of goal setting, effective communication and follow up, having passion, or any training need, please reach out. Additional issues pertaining to interviewing, auditing, compliance, and investigations can be found in other blogs and videos that we have produced and are contained in most blocks of instruction that our company presents.
If you have additional questions, comments, or have an interviewing topic you would like me to address, give me a shout. In the meantime, be well, stay safe out there, and start setting goals in your life for greater success and contentment.
Mark A. Anderson
Director of Training and Development
Anderson Investigative Associates, llc
114 Loucks Avenue
Scottdale, PA 15683
manderson@andersoninvestigative.com
tel:912-571-6686