ECP060 Learning from Strictly - don't underestimate the medium term

As September dawns, it marks a significant juncture in our annual journey. For many, it signals the return to familiar routines - students head back to school, and governments reconvene after their summer recess. More broadly, it signifies the commencement of the year’s final leg. As we embark on the final third of the year, we find ourselves at a prime juncture to set our intentions and establish goals for the jfour months ahead. A great deal can be accomplished with thoughtful consideration in this timeframe. However, a hasty approach may lead to an initial burst of activity followed by disillusionment due to impractical expectations. It's crucial not to underestimate what can be achieved in the medium to long term, even if it means foregoing short-term idealism. In this episode of the Effective Challenge Podcast I take a look at some lesson we can draw from the BBC show, 'Strictly Come Dancing' In tandem with September's arrival, millions eagerly anticipate the return of the BBC series. This event elicits excitement and joy in some, while others greet it with a familiar sigh. 'Strictly' extends its vibrant spectacle until the holiday season, serving as a shining example of what can be achieved in the year's concluding phase. For the uninitiated, 'Strictly Come Dancing' is a beloved British television dance competition that pairs celebrities with seasoned professional dancers, challenging them to perform a variety of dance styles with the aim of clinching the coveted glitterball trophy. Weekly, their performances are assessed by a panel of experts and determined by viewer votes, culminating in the elimination of the lowest-scoring contestant. In the U.S., the show is known as 'Dancing with the Stars.' In pondering the final third of 2023, what insights might we glean from prior seasons of 'Strictly'? The podcast looks at five lessons: 1. You need clarity and focus to achieve what you want 3. 3. You can’t achieve things alone 4. Managing to do things when it gets uncomfortable 5. It’s possible to challenge and change perceptions 6. Who knows what the next four months could be a springboard to Link to the Rose Ayling Ellis dance discussed in the podcast that so powerfully demonstrates the impact she had on millions of people as part of her competition-winning dance routine as a deaf person https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QejOzrlovTQ If you have comments, questions or observations please drop me a mail - [email protected] or connect on social media Instagram https://www.instagram.com/damian_effective_challenge/ and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-piper/