Today, we’ll cover one of the biggest stumbling blocks that keeps us stuck: inattention to results. Over the past few weeks, we’ve covered:

1. The foundation of dysfunction: Lack of trust​
2. The fear of conflict caused by feeling unsafe
3. The isolation that occurs when you lack commitment​
4. The resulting gap in accountability that occurs​

What inattention to results looks like

Inattention to results doesn’t mean you lack goals. It doesn’t indicate a lack of work ethic, either. You might be working yourself to the bone and not getting anywhere.

It’s what happens when no one is held accountable.

How inattention to results gets us stuck

Change is only possible when we can identify what’s not working and address the root causes. If you’re on a healthy work team, your team leader will take accountability for overcoming obstacles and implementing potential course corrections.

But when something isn’t working for you personally, who honestly calls it out, identifies what needs to change, and takes the steps to improve?

In an ideal world, that person would be you.

But we all carry baggage. And some of the weight we carry about being wrong, admitting mistakes, and fearing failure can get in the way.

If we don’t hold ourselves accountable, then we blind ourselves to the inevitable results of our actions. When we ignore the results, we get stuck in a place where “everything’s fine,” but nothing changes. Without change, we stagnate, burn out, and give up . . . often without realizing we held the keys to improvement all along.

Challenge: Focus on the results

1. What’s an area of your life where you desire growth or change, but feel stagnant? Write without stopping on this for 10 minutes.
2. Put on your detective hat and read through what you’ve written as though it were written by a client who needs you to solve this mystery for them. Discard any shame, blame or other emotional attachment to what’s been written. Remember: This is a case you need to figure out.
3. Focus on facts and gaps: what are they? For example, note the original goals and objectives versus the actual results.
4. Now write your “client” a very loving and compassionate letter with suggestions on how to get back on track, using easy baby steps.

Practicing detachment like this can be a useful tool for examining our lives and discovering new perspectives.

Let me know how it goes! Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below or tagging @trulykristi on social channels. 🙂