What is a marriage proposal at its essence? A marriage proposal is the first step toward one of the most life-changing events you may encounter - marriage. This is first step should not be taken lightly or without a great deal of thought. After you propose, you have expressed to that person that you look forward to the day that you can marry and join your lives as one for as long as you both shall live. With this much riding on the proposal, why do so many put so little thought into it'I believe that it is a lack of understanding of just how important that first step is. When you think about a journey, the first step is very critical. It is the one that your others will be guided and if it is pointed in the wrong direction, the rest of the journey could be astray. By setting a straight and very guided path with your proposal, you enable your journey to the wedding and marriage to be much more aligned in the ways that you would like. But, how do you do this?One of the best things that you can do to assure that this first step is along the path that you desire is to understand where you really want to go. Have you really thought about what marriage and a life together details? You and your mate will have a host of both good and bad times together. Are you willing to stick with this person when all things seem to be going wrong? When you think about marriage, do you see divorce as an option if it does not work? This mentality of having an “escape hatch" allows you to not fully approach the proposal or marriage as a true commitment. If you can truly envision yourself with this person through any of the hardships that life may bring, you are already aimed in the right direction.Now, if you are aimed in the right direction, do not take your first step backwards or to either side with a poorly executed proposal. Make sure that the proposal is thoughtful, intimately touches your mate, and is planned in such a way that it can be performed just the way you would like it. The time and effort that you exert to make this first step a success should have great influence on the steps that follow. You and your mate should be able to enjoy a life along the path that you have set the course that will allow you to overcome the odds of the 50% of U.S. couples that divorce annually. My estimation is that they didn’t set the right course and their first steps weren’t in the right direction. Shown by the 80%* of women that report being dissatisfied with their marriage proposals, I think I may be onto something.*Source: www.theroMANtic.com
This year over ½ million managers will enter new positions in Fortune 500 companies alone. And certainly with the challenges this economy presents, that number could be larger! This shift may include taking on new leadership roles or starting your own business. In any case, it requires both a personal and professional plan of approach in order to create a stress-less, seamless and productive transition.
As a leader in your life and business, your first act is to "step boldly" into the change that awaits you. This includes developing the "mindset" and approach that keeps you focused and supported during the transition. Let's examine "mindset" which is the most important step in any transition.
"...it is an essential discipline to make the transition mentally." -- Michael Watkins, The First 90 Days
So you're ready for that next move? Have you decided that you're ready? Do you know what it means to be ready? Let's look at a case where developing the "mindset" is such a critical piece to successfully making that next move.
Tim has finally been given the opportunity to take on a significant leader position. Finally? Well, Tim had been groomed, coached and mentored, over the last few years, to believe that he would soon receive the opportunity, but was delayed over and over. So now the time has come. Tim readies himself by telling his friends and family that he's moving up and starting to take on a new and larger position. His true talent finally recognized!
Within the first 60 days, Tim is still working with his old friends on how to create reports. He is working the projects and spending nights and weekends developing spreadsheets so that he can respond to data requests. He knows he should have his team do it, but it's so much faster his way and it ensures he "knows" the answer. (Neither the role nor confidence of a leader.) His family questions his distractions with work and his friends think he's nuts for working so hard. He explains to everyone that this is just what needs to be done in a new job. (sound familiar?)
He's now experiencing "trouble" with his new manager, who (according to Tim) just doesn't understand how hard he works. Tim is disheartened and ready to toss it all. He thinks, "I had to take on this extra work on being a leader? I'm still delivering and enjoying that part what's wrong with them? I'm just as talented as they said and I'm just not being appreciated!"
Tim is about to fully and completely derail from his leadership role and he won't understand why. The first challenge he has to overcome is the "mindset" he's using to lead...or not. He has not chosen to make a "clean break" from his former role and duties. It's understandable. He's comfortable in his tables, calculations and reports. His fear of not having the answer and his lack of trust in his team are keeping him from leading effectively. In order to "step boldly" into his new position, he has to develop himself and his team to deliver those results, now.
Tim and other leaders in transition would do well to create a process or ritual which establishes who you are in your new position. This process might include using meditation, visualizing yourself leading not doing, talking with a trusted friend or transition coach, journaling about what skills you're going to use and develop in your new role, talking with new peers and colleagues, only, for the first 30 days so that you begin to build the language and comfort as a leader.
These and other tools and resources contribute to the transition system that will help you to avoid derailing too soon. It is critical for new leaders to develop the mindset that sets you apart and creates the leader's edge. As part of an overall system, you can create a less stressful, more seamless transition with greater business results.
Both Rob Tillman & Chris Makell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rob Tillman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marriage, Home Management and Marriage. Rob Tillman is the President and Co-Founder of preposals®, a consulting company specializing in marriage proposal planning services. For more articles and many other resources for planning an unforgettable marriage proposal, go to www.preposals.com or ca. Rob Tillman's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Chris Makell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cheap Airfare, Religion and Marketing. Chris Makell is the founder and President of High Caliber Leadership, a firm committed to helping professionals experience "the power and caliber of your leadership" as you transition to new and greater roles, personally and professionally. . Get her popu. Chris Makell's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.