I spent over 15 years in corporate America doing innovation work. Whether I was doing it myself or through others by leading teams, I was met with successes and disappointments. Receiving bad test results, a failed prototype before the big review, the lack of funding to push a program forward are just a few disappointing experiences. The timing of the circumstances was unpredictable, but their occurrence was always highly probable. After all, that’s the nature of doing high risk, high reward type of work.

The ability to keep pushing forward despite the setback was a common characteristic shared among me and my co-workers. Possessing the focus of trained soldiers, we didn’t let anything stop us. If one option failed, we’d simply come up with three others to take its place.

So, that begs the question, “When do you call it quits?” Do you simply keep going until you, the team, the options, or the money runs out?  Knowing the answer to that question could have saved me and my team money, stress and most importantly, time.

What I learned is there comes a point when you have to just break – break the routine of pushing forward. Give yourself a moment to take an objective look at the problem you’re trying to solve.

In a recent episode of my video blog, Coffee Break w/ Dr. Andrea (Just Break), I share strategies for what to do when you start feeling like enough is enough.

Similar to my experience in corporate America, the pursuit of your life goals can be met with successes and disappointments. Staying in a place (job, situation, project, etc.) too long can be demotivating and stressful. However, quitting too early can leave you with feelings of unfinished business and failure. Just before you call it quits, take a break and apply these 5 strategies.

1. Find a quiet place to reflect. Achieving a quiet mind can be difficult if you feel the pressure of your situation. Decrease distractions so you focus.
2. Write down the situation and critical steps. Make a list of the things that are within your control to change or influence. Make a separate list of things that are needed, but are not within your power to change.  
3. Review the list objectively. If this is difficult for you, invite a trusted friend/mentor to review the list with you.
4. Ask yourself critical questions. Does completion of the items that you control (or influence) get you closer to your goal? Are there others that can help you achieve your goal?
5. Make a decision that gives you peace. Making the “go forward” decision can be energizing, whereas the tough decision to stop pursuing a goal can be difficult. Make sure you are just as committed to the “no go” decision as you were in pursuing the goal from the beginning. It will give you peace of mind in the long run.

Taking a break from the chaos will help bring everything into focus. Having an objective look at your situation will help you make the best decision for you, your team, or organization.

Be sure to join me for the next episode of “Coffee Break w/ Dr. Andrea” on YouTube. Don’t forget to register for “Breaking the Ceiling” Webinar to be held Thursday, July 14, 2016, 7-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 16, 2016, 10-11:30 a.m. Get strategies to unlock your potential and unleash your inner strength. Register at www.idgvision.com (Upcoming Events).

IDG Vision Consulting & Training is located in Covington, GA.  Whether you are simply looking for motivation to build new skills or a strategic plan for success, we can help you move in the right direction and achieve your goals. Contact us (770-648-3758) to see how we can help you and/or your organization raise your performance.

Stay Inspired!

Andrea Bowens-Jones, PhD

IDG Vision Consulting & Training – President/CEO

Certified John Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Trainer

[email protected]