VIDEO: Timeout! Reset Your Game Plan and Reach Your Goals

In nearly every sport, players and coaches can call a timeout when they need to regroup. Timeouts allow the team to re-strategize after a mistake or rally the team to ensure a victory.

Are you off track when it comes to the goals you set for the year? Did you lose your job or have a life-altering change that requires you to reassess your situation? Is an organizational change or strategic shift forcing you to realign your priorities at work or in your business? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, a timeout is in order.

Here are three questions to answer during your timeout:

Have You Developed the Heart of a Champion?

Successful athletes put in the work and picture themselves winning the trophy long before the games begin.  If you’ve allowed doubt and fear to creep in, it may be affecting your actions. Can you truly picture yourself achieving your goals? Finding lasting success in your career, business or ministry?  But here’s the kicker: once you see it, you have to put forth the effort to making your vision a reality. One of the greatest keys to winning is believing that you can. Then it’s time to work!

Who’s in Your Starting Lineup?

Look at your team – this could be your circle of friends or the people you’ve chosen to help you achieve your goals. Are they making meaningful contributions? Can you count on them in a clutch? Maybe you need to better equip them to play their roles. Or maybe it’s time to make a few substitutions…or permanent trades.

Have You Developed a Winning Strategy?

Stating your intentions isn’t enough. You must develop and execute the plays that will move you from where you are to where you want to be. Make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Unrealistic or vague goals will only frustrate you.

If the plays you’re executing aren’t working or you find yourself playing a different game altogether because of personal or organizational changes, take a timeout to make sure you have a winning attitude, the right team, and a strong game plan.

In the words of my friend, speaker and author Mark Wiggins, “It’s time to move from the bench to the starting lineup of life.”

Play to win, my friend!