Your actions are related to your results. That might seem like a no-brainer, but not everyone always makes a strong connection between their desired outcomes and the actions they take.

Ideally you're motivated and energized to get busy and get things done every day, but you might recognize the feeling that sometimes you're working out of habit. Some people keep doing the same things over and over again and don't produce the right results.

Do you find yourself just doing what you're used to, or feeling that 'at least you're doing something', while it isn't necessarily aligned with the right results?  To prevent that, always consider the desired outcome before taking any action. If you focus on your desired results first, you can make sure your actions are always correlated to your desired outcomes and priorities. Then, by taking effective actions you can use your time more wisely and create twice the results you want.

Let's practice that. I'd like you now to think of that one most important thing you'd want to occur this week. Be specific about it...

Write it down...

Now, what is the most efficient way to have that occur with greater success and less effort?

Only after you've picked your desired results can you think in terms of actions that will lead to those results. Pick your actions based on things that are similar to those that have worked for you in the past, or different from those that have not worked as effectively as you'd have liked. Think of conversations you can have with people who have influence and recourses that are relevant to your goal. Sometimes you'll have to change the game you're playing in order to prevent spinning your wheels.

There are times when it's better to abandon your original plan if something significantly better comes along. It's important not to change directions on a whim, but you do need to have some flexibility in order to get off of the hamster wheel.

If you'd like to know more specific ways you can become more effective with your actions and your time, you're welcome to call me for a free exploratory coaching session, or send an e-mail to jonathan@jfcoach.com.

Author's Bio: 

Jonathan Flaks, M.C.C., Business Success Coach - http://www.jfcoach.com. Since 1998, Jonathan has been helping entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals focus on and reach ambitious goals, maintain continuous confidence and motivation, and achieve balanced success. Jonathan maintains a Master Certified Coach distinction from the International Coach Federation. He earned a dual degree from Cornell University and was Adjunct Professor in Business Leadership and Coaching Skills for New York University. Clients have come from BMG Entertainment, Morgan-Stanley-Smith-Barney, KPMG, Disney, Deloitte, Honeywell, Goldman Sachs, and many entrepreneurial and professional service firms. If you want to start every week with a positive, confident attitude, visit Monday Morning Mini-Motivation Meetings.