It is a bad idea to run up the escalator, it is designed to get you where you need to be

In business, we concern ourselves with month-end sales close, the quarterly sales close and the yearly close. We are often frustrated because we do not achieve what we have set out to achieve. In the fast pace and disruptive world we operate in, we should not be surprised if we do not accomplish all our goals. This is often a result of too much to do and a lack of prioritising.

It is good to heed the advice – “Take one step at a time and do not run up the escalator, it will take you there”.

Taking a “One step at a time” approach has the following benefits:

  • Measured approach – delivering on a Company vision is not possible without breaking down the vision into measurable deliverables. Focus on the ultimate vision as well as on the detailed actions required to get you there.
  • Tackle your fears – we all have fears – fears of making a mistake, of losing what is dear to us and of not being valued. These fears have the ability to debilitate our performance. Courage to tackle these fears takes time and practice. Take one step at a time in dealing with uncertainties and insecurities. Don’t rush it, forward is still forward.
  • Trust the process – as with the escalator, ultimately it will take you there. If it is working, you will get to the next floor. Trusting the process means that we do not try and control that what is not controllable. Let the process unfold, whatever needs to happen will happen.

I often use the analogy of the escalator during coaching sessions. Everyone I talk to seems to get it instantly. We rush from point A to point B, sometimes not even thinking about what our next step should be, trying to force a decision or result. Stop! Take a deep breath and allow the escalator to take you all the way to the top. You will get to where you need to be.