“It’s deja vu all over again.” (One of my favorite Yogi Berra-isms.)
But it did feel like deja vu – today no less than three people brought up the issue of feeling stuck in a loop of busy-ness and not being able to find/make time to take care of important things like strategic planning.
Remember that scene in the original Matrix when Keanu Reeves sees the same black cat cross the same doorway twice in about 10 seconds?
“Whoa,” he said. “Deja vu.”
The team stopped in their tracks. “What did you just say?” Trinity asked.
He repeated that it was deja vu, and told them what he saw.
Seeing their alarm, he asked what was wrong.
“Deja vu is usually a glitch in the matrix,” Trinity warned.
Needless to say, things got ugly from there.
I kind of like that excuse: when I get stuck in an unproductive loop, blame a glitch in the matrix.
Coincidentally, The Matrix is a rather apropos metaphor if you’re familiar with another matrix, the (President) Eisenhower Matrix, analogous to the (Steven) Covey Matrix, looking at the relative urgency vs. importance of certain tasks.
The Eisenhower Matrix: How to Prioritize What Really Matters
Here’s the punch line: Tasks in Quadrant 2 are the most essential for us to achieve our biggest personal and professional goals — but we never seem to get around to them because something else always screams, “Wait! Do this first!”
Sometimes that “other thing” is truly urgent.
Other times we look back and think, “Well, that’s an hour (day? month?) I’ll never get back.” And let’s face it, that’s usually followed by: “Why do I always do this to myself?”
See? It’s a glitch in our matrix.
Eisenhower used the matrix to decide between four actions:
- Q1 – DO: Now. Urgent & Important
- Q2 – DECIDE: Schedule it for later and honor that time block. Important, but not urgent.
- Q3 – DELEGATE: Urgent, but not for you to do.
- Q4 – DELETE: Wordle. Sports scores. Cat videos. Inbox refresh. Add your favorite distractions here: _______.
The Career Transitions Matrix: When It’s Time to Move Up or Move On
Making a major career move is one of the most important decisions we ever make. But how urgent is it?
- If you’ve just been laid off, it’s Q1. You need a plan — fast.
- If you’re in a toxic culture or maxed out in your current role, it’s Q2 — you can't just keep thinking about it, it's time to start actively planning for the next step.
- If you’re aiming for a promotion, you’re in Q2 too — and it takes consistent effort to make sure key decision makers see you as ready.
Either way, you need to be strategic — not reactive — about your next step.
How to Build a Strong Leadership Brand
Whether you're job hunting or vying for promotion, your leadership brand is what shapes how others perceive your readiness.
And that depends on:
- What you say
- How you say it
- Whom you say it to (do you have access to the right people?)
- And how consistently you show up with clarity, confidence, and executive presence, no matter who is listening.
It’s not about being the loudest in the room — it’s about being the most compelling, and most trusted.
Executive Coaching for Career Growth and Influence
That’s exactly why I created Quantum Leap — to help high-performing leaders in transition create a strategic plan, build a powerful, visible leadership brand and land their next role with confidence.
And if you're staying put but striving to move up, my executive communication and influence coaching ensures you’re seen as ready — and right — for the next level.
Ready to make your next big move your best one?
Click here to get you into motion and out of the loop.
Free Leadership Communication Training: Watch the Replay
Need a little extra inspiration to start your day?
On Friday, I had a great LinkedIn Live conversation with Ron Thomas, CEO of Strategy Focused Group.
We talked about major quantum leaps, mindsets, and choices along the career journey – specifically, mine! – and how to transform your communication style to lead with clarity, confidence, and influence.
Click the link above to catch the replay.
I promise you, what we discussed is massively important… and that’s Quadrant 2, so when will you make time to watch? That’s the quadrant that’s 100% FOR YOU.
