Here we are, nearing the end of the first quarter. How are you doing? Let’s take a first-quarter pulse check!

It’s been quite a ride. Are you growing? Is your business thriving? Now is a great time to pause and look at where you are, how you got here, and where the rest of the year can go.

Think about these 10 statements to get a pulse on how things are going:

• I am an effective communicator.
• I am a good listener.
• I stay in High Payoff Activities.
• I have specific, written goals.
• I am good a confronting inappropriate behavior.
• I am an effective delegator.
• I turn problems into procedures.
• I am a good decision maker.
• I am patient when teaching a new skill.

After you have thought about each statement for a few minutes, rate yourself from one (not at all true) to five (completely true). Try to be as honest and realistic as possible; this is for your benefit!

How did you do? Were you surprised at your answers?

Now, let’s work on an Improvement Action Plan! It is very important that you write this part down somewhere and refer to it often.

• What insight about myself did I gain from this exercise?
• Personal improvements I will make to be more successful.
• Specific actions I will take to improve.
• What action will I take to improve my team with this information?

When you have a process internalized, your habit patterns kick in and you don’t even think about it. Your “auto-pilot” takes over. That’s what you need to do — internalize the process. When a process is internalized, you have the best chance of succeeding.

Little setbacks are part of life. They may slow you down, but they don’t have to stop you. They only stop you when you don’t have the process internalized, when you don’t know the best thing to do next.

That’s what you need to be able to do when you’re leading. Don’t let little setbacks stop you or even slow you down. Sure, they’re frustrating. But if you have the best process internalized, the frustration will create a desire to press on and will even create the energy necessary to succeed.

Sometimes it helps to have an outside person give you some perspective and accountability. If you are finding this process difficult, ask a business partner or friend to help you; you may be surprised at what they notice.

Here at Achievement Unlimited, we offer mentoring and accountability to get you and your business on track. If you are struggling to internalize better habits, try this download to get you started and visit Achievable.com for more great resources.