One of the issues many individuals face when they are in an established, recurring rhythm is the realization that things seem to stand still. The work starts at the same time every day. The weekly meetings are on the same day each week. The calls to the partners and clients around the globe are pretty much at the same time and often revolve around the same issues. Projects change but the work needed to complete them is repetitive.

Once, or in some cases, twice a year, the performance review is the point in time to reflect and find out if what you have done has put you in a place that allows for advancement, or at least a raise. One of the questions that will be answered in that process is:

Did you achieve the goals we have said since the last review?

If things went half way they always do, that is probably answered with a resounding YES!

Next comes the question:

What has happened that requires changes? (This can be phrased in many different ways and typically aims to mean: What have you done for me (your boss) or the company (the place that pays your paycheck).

Depending on circumstances there either is an opportunity to advance and the discussion might shift to the how and when of it, - and if there isn't you set the goals for the time till the next review, probably sign a form, and go on with you normal routine.

One of the most important questions isn't addressed because everybody seems to believe that the dialogue has to happen internally within ourselves. In a nutshell it comes down to:

How you do anything is how you do everything

If you are always on time, prepared, trying to improve yourself, be caring for others, loving to those you have relationships with, oriented towards your goals in harmony with the goals of your family, your employer, and your life, then you are doing everything you can to advance and become a star or Legendary Leader. All you add whenever required is learning of skills you don't already have. This way you are known to be who you are in every situation, act predictably, and always with your and others goals in mind - forming win-win-win situations.

What are your saying? Did I hear a little bit of: "this isn't really me Axel is describing..."

Well, if it's not (and nobody is perky and great every second of every day), ask yourself: WHY?

The answer is what I said before: How you do anything is how you do everything.

If you want to change and become the person who is chosen, accepted, loved, asked for help, etc. change the way you do things. Start with the small and easy stuff and move forward to bigger and bigger things. The more you do it the more it becomes second nature - and if you want to know if you are doing it right:

Ask those you trust for honest and open feedback!

They will appreciate it and you will not only know what worked so far, but receive wonderful advice on how you can do even better - often faster then you think.

Now you know: How come nothing changes?

Take the first step to do something different and everything will start to get better, unless you are one of the few among us who already do everything the way they do anything in a successful, loving, caring and meaningful way. In that case, keep doing what you're doing and let other participate in your success.

If, on the other hand, you are frustrated, like 84% of respondents in a recent poll, then take a first step and play to your strength. To find out what they are, performing an assessment is a good first step. You can also get a coach who will guide you to discover your goals, your ambitions, and your strength. This will pave a way to a better future. It will be fun, enjoyable and open completely new ways of life for you. You find more information and answers when getting in touch with me at AMC LLC.

Copyright (c) 2008 Axel Meierhoefer