Repeating the past won’t create a new future. On the other hand, your problem may be your persistence. Successful leaders tenaciously persist. However, clinging to failed strategies until your knuckles turn white won’t make them magically work. It isn’t noble; it’s dumb. Repeating the past creates more of the past.

When persistence is dumb?

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” works when you know where you are going. Yet, dogged determination is dumb without clearly defined direction. When you are really dumb it’s likely you don’t know it. You probably need others to help you see your dumbness. Find smart people to talk with. Keep on keeping on until you clearly identify new targets. Stopping without new direction may be catastrophic.

When it’s time to change trajectory?

1. Know that stopping comes before starting. It’s frequently the hardest step.
2. Nothing less than brutal honesty takes you there. People don’t like to admit to themselves that they aren’t getting where they want to go. Admit it.
3. Tap into your frustrations rather than ignoring them. They may help you find new directions.
4. Warning! Don’t go around the office whining about your frustrations.
5. Don’t get stuck in “no.” It’s easy to list the things you don’t like.
6. Intentionally translate negative frustrations into positive, “I want,” statements.
7. Focus on what not who. It’s easy to blame others for your frustrations. Don’t.
8. Don’t decide quickly. Withhold judgment. Explore options. Consider consequences.
9. Tell someone your plans.

This article was first published by Dan Rockwell and is published  by Women Inc., with permission. For more from Dan Rockwell, please visit his online blog: http://www.leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/

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