A Slip, a Misstep, and a Lesson Learned

Last Friday afternoon, I found myself in a situation I didn’t expect. After grabbing a document off the printer and heading down the stairs at home when, out of nowhere, I slipped and fell down the remaining steps. (True story.)

Thankfully, aside from the initial shock and a sore knee, I escaped serious injury. But it got me thinking - why did I misstep? I’ve lived in this house for 30 years and have been up and down those stairs’ tens of thousands of times. So, what happened?

Was I distracted? No. Was there a banana peel on the stairs like in a slapstick comedy? No.
Despite being perfectly capable of navigating stairs, I simply misstepped. And just like that, it hit me: sometimes, we misstep in life and at work, too.

It might not be as obvious as falling down the stairs, but you don’t notice it, others might…

For instance, when the demands of your role feel overwhelming, when conflicting priorities pile up, when juggling responsibilities, managing a team, handling projects, and battling an ever-expanding To-Do list becomes too much, even the most effective leaders can find themselves slipping.

Even getting themselves stuck in a rut, when their output (both in quality and quantity) just isn’t what it used to be.

You’ve probably seen this with colleagues who are constantly busy but never seem to accomplish much. But here’s the thing: missteps don’t have to be permanent.

So, how do you get back on track?

Some suggest taking a holiday, but that’s only a temporary fix - not a lasting solution.

Others might say to reduce your workload, which can help if you’re able to do so. But for many, that’s not an option.

That’s where looking through the lens of productivity coaching comes in. It’s about refining how you work and adjusting your habits to address the real issues at hand. It’s not about working harder - it’s about working smarter.

I know, it might sound cliché, but it’s true because it’s the enabler to get you moving again.

If you’re ready to get back on track and say goodbye to those missteps, let’s have a confidential chat.

Reach out, and let’s explore how you can regain your footing.