Plateaus are inevitable. In every journey to the mountain top there are flat spots. Times when we know we aren't progressing. Usually they occur after we have made exceptional progress. Sometimes they are a necessary rest point on the way up the trail.

However, it is easy to get stuck on a plateau. Maybe it's in your career where you've mastered your job or easily made your numbers every month. Perhaps it's in your workouts where you are doing the same treadmill or weights workout and have stopped seeing improvement. Maybe it's in a relationship that is simply "ok". Yes, it's comfortable on the plateau. Yes, it is easy. Yes, you still look good to everyone else. Yet, if you stay there you are missing the opportunities of your Next Level of Greatness.

So here are some strategies and tactics for breaking through any plateau.

What's the Message?
Ask yourself what this plateau is telling you. Do you need new goals?
Do you need time for rejuvenation? Are bad habits keeping you stuck?
Take the time to reflect on why you are not progressing. Write the
story of this plateau to gain insight.

A Bigger Challenge
As humans we adapt to challenging situations by getting fitter, stronger and more skilled. Once we have adapted to the challenge we stop growing. Ask yourself whether its time for a new challenge. Is this plateau telling you its time to increase your goals and dig deeper?

A Different Routine
A plateau can also be telling us to change our methods. Perhaps you have sold as much as you can in your market--now you need to work at team selling or key account management. As an athlete you may not be getting faster or stronger, perhaps it's time to shift towards power or endurance based workouts.

A Different Challenge
Sometimes a plateau is the ending of a goal. You have down what you set out to do. Congratulations. Celebrate your accomplishment and find a different challenge--it could be a new job, a different sport or a new place to live.

Take a Break
At times in every journey it's important to stop and enjoy the view. Use this opportunity to relax and rejuvenate. Spend time with your family. Reexamine your dreams. Insert more fun and adventure into your life.

Think Like the Next Level
The best way to get to your Next Level of Greatness is to learn from those who are already there. Find a mentor, search the web or invite an elite performer out to coffee. They have probably been where you are now and may have the answers.

In Leadership,