The waves of change and uncertainty continue to come in fast and furious. It’s not enough to say this too shall pass. Adaptability and flexibility are absolutely essential. We have found in our years of coaching that the greatest anxiety lies in inaction. When our clients feel so paralyzed that they can’t move because they are unsure of what to do next, this breeds only more fear and anxiety and deepens paralysis.
Daniel Pink’s book The Power of Regret affirms that,
“Over time, people regret what they didn’t do more than what they did do. Regrets of inaction are far more common than regrets of action.”
Taking that advice to heart, the mantra around here has been, Do the next right action. This is not a time to put off or freeze.
- Have an idea? Pursue it.
- Feel a call? Follow it.
- Need to have a difficult conversation? Have it.
Each action will clarify and inform the next step.
The Power of Accountability in Uncertain Times
In large part, it was in a time of deep economic uncertainty that our accountability program and its structure were first developed. We were a small group of realtors navigating the bursting of the real estate bubble that preceded the Great Recession. Our industry was changing from one week to the next. Much like technology, information, and politics are today. We had to be super focused on our work, circles of influence, and areas of impact to drive our businesses forward. We would meet every week to check in on our goals and decide what our next best steps were for the week ahead. There wasn’t a roadmap for overcoming the challenges we were facing. We were figuring it out as we went, but we stayed in action, and that made all the difference.
Overcoming Distraction & Staying Focused
Today, we employ that same strategy, a small group of committed individuals doing the same with the accountability structure to make taking each step a hundred times more likely. Back in 2008, we didn’t have to deal with the same levels of distraction. Back then we had to ignore the doomsayers in the office and stay off the news. This was pre-push notifications and the birth of the attention economy, which has made staying focused that much more difficult.
The Purpose of Mindful Accountability
The purpose of Mindful Accountability is to drive awareness, choice, and action. You can’t get things done when you are distracted and in fear of the next wave. When you are already in action, you are primed to take the next step, see the next opportunity, and be the most resilient version of yourself.
What is one action you know you need or want to do but haven’t done?
Good, you named it. Now get after it.
When in doubt, fear, or paralysis, remember—you don’t have to figure everything out. Just take the next right action. You won’t regret it.
If you know someone who has or will be impacted by the waves of change, please pass this along.
