Blind Spots
We all have blind spots. The irony is, even though they are called blind spots, we generally know what they are and yet we, for the most part, just live with them. We make a decision, to live with them. It may be a passive decision, but regardless, we make a decision.
Do you ever catch yourself saying, “I know I need to get better at ________”, then you go off and do nothing about it? Sometime later, you make the same mistake. Now, is that a blind spot? Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on ME.
You have made a decision to live with your blind spot.
Regardless of your position, whether you are the CEO or the Administrative Assistant, Sales professional, or stay at home mom or dad, you can improve by simply doing the following:
1) Write down a list of your blind spots.
2) Take your “worst” one and then think about what you would do to change it.
3) Create a plan over the course of the next month to change it and keep track of your progress.
4) Post the blind spot on your mirror in the bathroom, in your car – anywhere you know you will see it daily. Instead of having a picture of your kids on your computer desktop, have your blind spot listed with your change deadline.
5) Ask for help. If you can’t solve it yourself, get someone to help you create the plan and hold you accountable.
6) Measure your progress – once the month is over, see how you did. Then move on to your next one.
If you have made a conscious daily effort to change it, you have made a decision to improve.
If you have not put in the effort or blown it off a few times because you were tired, you have made a decision to stay the same. Staying the same is a legitimate option, but you need to live with it, not complain about it. Then just move on to the next one.
If this happens with your #1 blind spot then you have a blind spot when it comes to change. Are you looking to improve or are you of the school of thought “everybody does it so it’s okay…?”
I’m fortunate, I have a coach who calls me out on my laziness when it comes to my blind spots. I have come a long way this year, but there are miles to go before I sleep.
The decision is easy, the execution is the difference. The challenge awaits you.
