GET READY, GET SET, GO!

Rough Notes, Apr 2004 by Clarke, Connie

Once Joan has identified resources for the areas in which she wishes to improve, it would be a good idea for her to approach her producer and/or manager to discuss that desire. If training and development activity would enhance her current job performance, it is likely the employer would be willing to pay for the cost of the necessary training.

So far, so good. Joan has selected a future goal and has a strong personal desire to achieve it. She has given comprehensive thought to her own strengths and weaknesses, including how to maximize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses. Specific methods and resources have been identified. She's targeted the factors that could frustrate her efforts or derail her drive for success, and she has contemplated ways to deal with those threats. She is "Set" to "Go." Or-is she?

Commitment

Remember Joan's personal situation? She does have a husband and children. Combine family, work, and church, and her plate is already overflowing. Where will she find the time to implement a plan?

This is where the "dream" and passion really come into play. Successful people know they have to believe in themselves and their possibilities. A positive "I can" attitude is a must. Difficult choices must be faced. Joan will need the support of her family, because she will need to make time that will be required for study and classes, time that had been spent elsewhere. We all have time to do new things; it's all in how we prioritize tasks and manage that time. She might want to consider making her first investment of time in a time management class!

To "Go" requires dolermmation, patience, organization and commitment. In all likelihood, it will not be easy for Joan to begin pursuing her goal of an exciting, more challenging career. Once changes in routines are made and new habits are formed (and this will be an ongoing process if you desire perpetual growth), it is so rewarding that the initial difficulty will pale in comparison to the eventual rewards.

Get Ready, Get Set, Go ... and Good Luck!

By Connie Clarke, CIC, CPCU, AIM, AIS, CPIW

The author

Connie G. Clarke, CIC, CPCU, AIM, AIS, CPIW, is director of training and development with Payne Financial Group, the largest independent insurance agency in Montana. Connie has been a speaker at state, regional, and national insurance conventions, and teaches Dynamics of Service programs for The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research. For more information on Dynamics of Service or CISR classes, call (800) 633-2165 or go to www.TheNationalAlliance.com.