In a recent conversation, I was asked about my LinkedIn slogan, “Committed to Making Things Happen.” People wondered about the top 10 tools, strategies or habits that have helped me achieve my goals.
My motto, “making things happen,” extends beyond being a mere slogan. It is more than just a catchy phrase. It is a lifestyle that reflects my values centered on faith, persistence, integrity and compassion. I believe that with these guiding principles, anything is possible.
Moreover, there are some tools and habits that have been essential for me in overcoming obstacles, achieving my objectives, realizing my vision and succeeding in project management. However, it is not just an abstract list of tools. It is based on real-world experiences that have shaped my journey to making things happen.
A few years ago, I worked on a project that seemed impossible to accomplish. With a tight timeline, limited resources and many odds stacked against me, I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. I even considered withdrawing a few times. However, I dug deep within myself and found the strength to keep trying. I chose to move on and refused to give up. Eventually, and against all odds, I achieved a qualitative leap and an impressive success in that project.
This experience made me realize the power of believing in myself no matter how difficult the circumstances. It also highlighted the importance of having a set of tools and habits to adopt when facing challenges or making a further step in your life.
So, let me introduce my philosophy which has been instrumental in my journey to making things happen. By incorporating these principles into your own life, I am confident that you, too, can achieve your objectives and live a fulfilling and purposeful life, and I hope that by listing them here, I can inspire you to adopt the same approach.
Thinking big
One of the key factors in making things happen is having a vision that inspires you and pushes you to dream beyond what is currently possible. Thinking big means setting ambitious goals and believing in yourself to achieve them. It involves breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset of abundance and possibility.
Accountability
This entails being a responsible individual who takes responsibility for your actions, decisions and consequences. It also involves being accountable and liable for the outcomes of your actions, whether positive or negative. Accountability helps you build trust and credibility with others and helps you achieve goals. It is a key leadership strength that enables leaders to be decisive and responsible for the results of their decisions.
Time management
Can you imagine a world without time? Life would be a mess. Effective time management is essential in both our professional and personal lives. It involves prioritizing tasks, setting goals and managing distractions to maximize productivity. Personally, I think that every second matters, and I try to make the most out of my time by focusing on achieving my goals, grabbing opportunities and being intentional with my actions. Additionally, I make use of cutting-edge technology and advanced digital services that have become essential in our lives nowadays.
Resilience
The ability to bounce back from setbacks and overcome challenges is essential to making things happen. It involves being adaptable and flexible in the face of unexpected requests or changes, such as a sudden change in policies, management or responsibilities.
Networking
Building and maintaining relationships with others is a key tool for success. Networking involves building rapport and creating mutually beneficial relationships with others. It helps individuals expand their knowledge and opportunities, and can be a valuable tool for success. However, networking is about connecting with people, not just prospects. Enjoy the conversation and let the benefits come naturally.
Discipline
Jim Rohn says: “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” This is a key quality that many wildly successful entrepreneurs possess. It entails having the self-control and willpower to stick to a plan or course of action, even when it requires sacrifice or discomfort. Discipline helps you develop positive habits and overcome procrastination, allowing us to stay focused and productive, even when faced with depression or frustration.
Open mind
Having an open mind means being receptive to everyone having something valuable to offer, regardless of their rank or status in an organization. We do not dismiss ideas based on whom they come from, but evaluate them on their merits. By doing so, we create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and innovation.
Courage
Leaders and entrepreneurs need the courage to make tough decisions, take risks or pursue new opportunities. Courage can lead to increased success and fulfillment in all areas of life.
Persistence
When we remain committed and determined in our objectives, we are more likely to overcome challenges and achieve our desired outcomes. However, it is also necessary to recognize when it is time to refocus our energy on the next path or dream. Sometimes, despite our persistence, our goals may no longer align with our values or interests. In addition, circumstances may change to make our current path untenable. In these situations, it is imperative to be open to reevaluating our goals and shifting our focus to new opportunities that better align with our current situation.
Collaboration
Collaboration involves working together to achieve a common goal by building relationships, sharing ideas and supporting one another. It enables individuals to leverage their strengths and achieve more than they could individually. However, ego can hinder collaboration opportunities in business settings where individual achievements and recognition take priority over collective success. In contrast, a collaboration between companies can lead to significant benefits such as increased efficiency, resource sharing and innovation. Ultimately, embracing collaboration requires setting aside egos and recognizing the importance of building relationships and supporting one another to achieve common goals.
I hope you have enjoyed my journey of “making things happen.” Please keep in mind that this always requires a combination of tools and habits. By integrating these principles into your routine and staying committed to your goals, you can turn your vision into reality. Stay true to your values and principles, as they will guide you on your journey. Always keep a positive attitude in the face of challenges. Success does not come overnight, so do not push yourself too hard. Trust in the process, have faith in yourself and believe that everything will fall into place at the right time with grace.
• Asma Al-Janahi is a UAE national with over 10 years of experience in management in government excellence and sports sectors. She writes about management and social life.