The execution gap: Turning Intentions into Action

I know you’re driven and ambitious. You have no shortage of great ideas and know exactly what needs to be done. Yet, have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I know what to do, but why am I not doing it?” You’re not alone in this struggle. Many high-performing professionals face the paradox of procrastination, perfectionism, or plain overwhelm, preventing them from acting on their intentions. We get stuck with brilliant plans in mind but little to show for it.

Envisioning What’s Possible: Closing the Execution gap

Imagine closing that gap—consistently turning your intentions into actions. What could you achieve if hesitation weren’t holding you back? Overcoming these barriers brings peace of mind, confidence, and a renewed sense of control over your life. Instead of feeling stuck, you’d start feeling capable and empowered.

From Intention to Action: Steps to Bridge the Gap

Bridging the execution gap requires more than sheer willpower—it demands a shift in mindset and deliberate strategies to get out of your own way. Here are some proven steps that have helped leaders and professionals turn knowing into doing:

  • Acknowledge Procrastination: Recognize when you’re stalling and the feelings behind it. Awareness puts you back in control without self-judgment.
  • Commit to a Small First Step: Start before you feel fully ready. Begin with a small commitment, like start working for just 5 minutes on a task, and then take it from there. Starting is the antidote to fear and analysis paralysis.
  • Break Goals into Manageable Steps: Avoid overwhelm by dividing big goals into smaller, actionable tasks. For instance, start with a 10-minute morning walk if you aim to exercise more.
  • Play the Sprint Game: Challenge yourself against the clock. Set 45 minutes to tackle your to-do list and then celebrate your progress with a break. Repeat as needed to maintain momentum.
  • Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge even small wins along the way. Positive reinforcement fuels momentum and builds confidence.
  • Create Accountability and Support: Partner with a coach or accountability buddy who helps you stay on track and break your journey into achievable steps. A coach provides guidance, accountability, and encouragement, helping you navigate challenges and celebrate successes.

My challenge to you: Go for it!

Embrace the possibilities beyond that gap. Identify what’s been holding you back and take one action today to close the distance between intention and reality. Each small step forward is a victory that accumulates into meaningful change over time.

You possess the talent, ideas, and drive—now, let’s transform them into action. I believe in your potential and am here to support your journey. Together, let’s turn intentions into achievements, one step at a time.

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Make-over: making the New Year “new”!

Unfortunately many of us have transferred the anxieties, traumas, shame, and wounds of the old year into 2023. It’s natural. But that can paralyze you, eating away your hope and joy, putting you in survival mode with narrow vision and limited ability to dream, envision, enjoy and create. And eventually you live your life reactively and from the outside-in, hoping for good things to happen to you and trying to protect yourself against all the threats that are out there on the journey ahead. And then the New Year remains old… same old, same old… Continue reading Make-over: making the New Year “new”!

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Freedom from Toxic Ownership

It is interesting how we are conditioned and programmed to use words and concepts that can cause us a lot of harm and pain. Some of that is just primitive human nature. One of the primitive words most toddlers learn to use quite early is “mine!”. To them their toys, sweets, clothes are extensions of themselves. When you touch that, you touch them.

Recently I was asked to work with a group of agents (crop solution specialists) in the agriculture sector. They are all from the Southern Cape where farmers, their clients, in some areas are now going through the third or fourth dry season. Some farmers have even committed suicide, others are very depressed, and most of them are struggling. My mandate was (1) to motivate these agents who struggle to stay positive while trying to give hope and courage to their clients, and (2) to give them “tools” to help themselves and their clients. Continue reading Freedom from Toxic Ownership

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