Access to the facilities, classes, equipment, and personal instruction is available with the membership. But, over time, when we examine our progress, one element is critical beyond the access to and diversity of offerings: Our commitment.
Our progress depends on our planning and the regular, consistent, and deliberate attention to working towards the goals we have set. In no time, the effort reveals itself in results. It was not the gym membership that mattered but rather the sweat put in.
So, this applies within organizations, whether working towards a strategic plan, developing a new initiative, or changing organization or individual dynamics. The program, tools and frameworks, and personal guidance and support are helpful and even necessary. Yet, none of these are relevant if the discipline and fortitude to work at the problem methodically are not there.
Individuals who repeatedly do not achieve their goals will inevitably blame others or possibly even the tools available to them. “It does not work; it is too much, the direction is unclear,” and so on. The same mindset exists again next time, just in a different guise, and yet again, there are no results. Those individuals are the ones who commit to a process and, within weeks, do not execute as they committed to, and shortly after that, abandon the initiative.
Rather than solely focusing on the plan and design, be disciplined in execution. Creating a cadence and structure is essential. Routine reflection and assessment to evaluate progress shift direction where necessary are all elements to work into the execution plan. Unless we have the flow, how can we expect to advance when we have not begun to execute?.
Developing a culture and practice of execution and commitment is required. Creating discipline, setting expectations, assigning responsibility, and demanding accountability. Individuals and teams who appreciate they are responsible and accountable typically win. This should be an expectation and agreement within groups and not viewed as scrutiny as many may feel when questioned about their work practices or outputs.
Paying attention to our practices in execution will determine our success and failure and not dependent on the plan or instruction. You have the gym membership; how are you using it?
