You go off track when you’re busy. Hectic schedules hide drift.
You’re Off Track When…
- You deal with the same issues repeatedly.
- People don’t challenge your ideas.
- Small issues trigger outsized reactions.
- Decision-making has slowed to a crawl.
- “Simple” projects keep going off track.
- You feel out of touch with what’s happening.
- Meetings focus on blame.
- People don’t seem to get it.
- You’re working harder than everyone else.
- Top performers are stumbling.
Bonus: You’re going off track when all you hear is good news.
4 Ways to Avoid Going Off Track
#1. Invite Friction
Ask the team to argue against an idea. Seek a “helpful rebel.” Ask them what everyone else is thinking but no one is saying.
#2. Schedule a “to Stop” Meeting
When it’s hectic it’s easy to do the wrong things. Review your calendar every two weeks. Identify one recurring task or meeting that adds no value. Kill it.
Pruning enables focus.
#3. Master the Curious Pause
Don’t ask, “Is this working?” Pause and ask:
- What behavior triggered the win?
- How am I contributing to confusion?
- What is one thing holding you back?
- What was left undone that caused failure?
#4. Clarify Priorities Constantly
Fuzzy priorities waste energy. What is your priority today? This week? This month?
If you can’t list your priorities, you don’t have any.
If you have more than five priorities, you don’t have any.
Going off track is easy. Stay busy.
What can you add to this list of warning signs?
What are the best ways to stay focused?
How Being Always Busy Affects Our Well-Being Very Well Mind
