How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 322

usually NOW. Taking action generates the impetus for further
action. Many applications to prestigious employers now need to
be made in the first term of your final year and if you
procrastinate you'll miss the deadlines.
Breaking down tasks
Break goals down into their components so that you can
accomplish them one step at a time. Write these steps down, and
try to be as specific as you can when you do this. Try to complete
one task before you go on to the next.
Reward yourself for achieving these goals to maintain your
enthusiasm. For example, when you are invited to your first
interview, treat yourself to a good meal with friends. Regularly
review your progress towards your goals and revise plans as
appropriate to take account of unforeseen changes.
Persevering
Inevitably, things will not always run smoothly as you progress
towards your goals. When things are not working out, you need
to persevere and learn how to take a positive attitude towards
frustration and failure.
Mistakes are a crucial part of any creative process and each is a
lesson leading you towards the right solution. Fear of making or
admitting mistakes is a major handicap to taking effective action.
It is said that the people who have achieved the most have made
the most mistakes! Try to be aware that satisfaction comes as
much from pursuing goals as from achieving them.
Work at effective strategies to deal with pressure - these can
vary from taking exercise, to relaxation techniques such as Yoga,
to simply sharing problems with friends. Being assertive can also
help here, for example, politely saying no to the demands of
others when you are pushed for time. Sharing tasks and

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