This week marked the final session of our ‘Client Engagement Masterclass’online programme.
Over eight sessions, we explored the core principles of creating exceptional client engagement.
The content was powerful — and just as valuable were the insights participants shared with each other.
But as with any programme, the real question is:
Will the learning get implemented?
So, how do you not only accumulate knowledge but actually put it to work and enjoy the results?
The Half-Life of Enthusiasm
Have you ever finished a workshop, event, or course, only to realise months later that you’ve implemented little?
I have. I’m guessing you have too?
It’s rarely a lack of intention. Life simply gets in the way. My coach once shared a concept that made a lot of sense to me:
The Half-Life of Enthusiasm.
It’s simple but profound: the initial energy and excitement we feel after learning something new fades. Surprisingly quickly. The longer we wait to act, the less likely we are to follow through.
Knowing that, how do you make it work for you?
Don’t add before you subtract
If you’re like most people, your life is already full. There’s little room to squeeze in something new — and real implementation takes time and focus.
Whenever I’ve tried to bolt something new on top of an already busy schedule, it hasn’t tended to work.
The secret is to subtract before you add.
In other words, decide what you’ll stop doing before introducing something new.
This could be a low-value activity that no longer serves you. Or a task best done by someone else (like admin).
Clearing the space creates the capacity to implement.
You can expect resistance
The biggest barrier to implementation isn’t time. It’s our own internal resistance.
Often, change is uncomfortable — even when we know it’s to our benefit.
You cannot avoid resistance. But you can recognise it for what it is: a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.
As Steven Pressfield writes in The War of Art:
“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember our rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.”
Our willingness to implement must match our willingness to learn
It’s easy to fall in love with learning. But the true rewards come when we apply what we’ve learned. This takes structure, commitment and sometimes, support.
Without a system to implement, we risk becoming a walking encyclopaedia with little to show for it.
PS: One of the most effective ways to accelerate implementation is to work with a coach. If you’re curious about how this could help you, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]
