One of the advantages I have in working with high performers is I get to see how they think and what they do. For instance, they seem to be able to work through problems as they arise and keep making progress. Specifically, when they get to a point in their work where things aren’t going according to plan, they stop and assess. Instead of proceeding cautiously with doubt, hoping for the best, high performers examine what’s going on and adjust accordingly. There are three assessments they consider to determine what to do next.

Assessment #1: Slog through. Sometimes you just have to gut it out. It’s much easier to keep on going when you’re confident it’s the best thing to do, especially when things look bleak, difficult or overwhelming. Just put your head down and get it done.

Assessment #2: Work around. Hardly ever do things work out according to the original plan. That’s when you have to face reality and realize that your current course doesn’t account for something unexpected. So you keep the plan while finding a way around an obstacle or constraint to accomplish your desired result.

Assessment #3: Call timeout. Sometimes the situation is different enough from when you began and you realize your plans are insufficient. So you have to actually change the plan and maybe even renegotiate the outcomes.

Each of these assessments is important and useful to keep going, but selecting the right one is what high performers do consistently in order to make progress and avoid pushing ropes, untimely stalls or chasing rabbits.

How often do you get into the middle of a project, a season, or some other commitment and wonder how you will ever get to the end? Instead of just wondering and hoping, force yourself to make an assessment and then execute with confidence and perseverance.