Some triggers are positive and energize us to achieve our goals, while others cause us to react in ways that undermine what we want to accomplish. Triggers can be objects, sights, smells, sounds, words, colors and even people around you that shape your thoughts and behaviors in ways that you might not be aware.

Psychologists Lawrence Williams and John Bargh demonstrated that even the physical temperatures people experience when they meet someone "trigger" whether a stranger is viewed as as "warm" or "cold." In their experiment, participants were greeted individually by a laboratory assistant who was laden down with two textbooks, a clipboard, and a cup of either iced or hot coffee. During the ride up the elevator to the laboratory, the assistant asked the participant to hold the cup of coffee for a second as she wrote down their name and time of participation on the clipboard. Once the participant arrived in the lab, they were asked to rate the person they interacted with in the elevator. People who held the hot coffee were significantly more likely to think the assistant was a warm person who was nice, personable, and kind.

As I've begun to pay attention to the triggers in my life, I am amazed at how often they show up and determine my behavior. A candy dish filled with chocolates prompts me to eat more than I need or even enjoy. Seeing a picture sitting on my desk of my smiling granddaughter sparks a feeling of love and joy. When I read a funny bumper sticker I smile. Spending a few minutes outdoors energizes me. And when I regularly read the vision I've created for the life I want, I'm inspired to take action to achieve that vision!

Deciding in advance that we will take a specific action at a certain time or in response to a cue in our environment (creating positive triggers) removes the question of "Will I?" or "Won't I?" and maximizes our chance of success.

A positive, energizing trigger might be:

Deliberately having triggers  that prompt us to take important actions toward accomplishing our goals saves energy, fosters good habits and increases the likelihood that we will succeed.