15 THING I'VE LEARNT NO. 3

Following on from my previous newsletter (see below) here is the next instalment of 15 things I've learnt about human beings and success in 3,500 hours. Last newsletter was 'How to Change Inaction'.

Now for  No. 3 Plans and Strategies Make Your Action More Effective

 

You've probably heard the saying 'Fail to Plan - Plan to Fail'. Things do happen at times even though we don't have a strategic plan written down but putting some planning into our goals certainly increases the potential for success. Every successful business knows that. The person who is called an overnight success knows that is really true there has been months possibly years of planning and strategizing.

 

Let me share with you the Goal Planning strategy we use in the Dare to be Your Best 12 week coaching program.

 

1.        Write a S.M.A.R.T goal.  The first thing we do is ensure the goal is Specific (ie not a general goal like loose weight or save money but loose 6 kilos or save $3000). Next step is ensure the goal is Measurable. In other words you can see your progress and measure your performance because you have a step by step strategy. The 'A' stands for Attractive. It has to be something you really want to do or otherwise you will run out of motivation. 'R' stands for Realistic. Your goal must be something which is achievable and in a time frame that is realistic. Finally 'T' is for Time Framed. That means you will start achieving your goal on a particular day and know exactly what day it will be completed. There will also be dates for each individual step.

2.        Benefits of achieving the goal. This helps with the 'A' in S.M.A.R.T. Steps 2 and 3 make your goal even more attractive as you think of all the additional benefits of achieving your goal. They could be learning, more motivated, more confident, sense of pride etc.

3.        Consequences of not achieving your goal. These are things you will want to avoid. Such as failure, stress, struggle, embarrassment etc. For some people these are even more motivating than the list of benefits.

4.        What 3 obstacles could get in the way of you achieving your goal. Listing these prepares you and makes you aware of why you may not have followed through previously. Obstacles could be such things as fear, lack of knowledge, procrastination, poor time management, allowing others priorities to be more important than mine.

5.        Two ways of overcoming each obstacle. This little extra piece of forethought prepares you so you don't quit or get sidetracked.

6.        Write up your step by step strategy with target dates. Just like when you plan a trip away there will be various things you must do before you actually leave, (Eg. Research, budget, book, pay deposit, get visa or passport, final payment, pack suitcases etc etc.), there are individual steps that will take you progressively to the completion of your goal. Write them down and know what day they will be done by. Stick to it.

 

If you follow this simple plan and strategy you are GUARANTEED success with every goal in life whether they be financial, career, health or some other personal goal.

 

Are you worried now about how to stay stressed? You'll have no trouble if you practice the following clinically proven methods:

1. NEVER EXERCISE. Exercise wastes a lot of time that could be spent worrying.
2. EAT ANYTHING YOU WANT. Hey, if cigarette smoke can't cleanse your system, a balanced diet isn't likely to.
3. GAIN WEIGHT. Work hard at staying at least 25 pounds over your recommended weight.
4. TAKE PLENTY OF STIMULANTS. The old standards of caffeine, nicotine, sugar, and cola will continue to do the job just fine.
5. GET RID OF YOUR SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM. Let the few friends who are willing to tolerate you know that concern yourself with friendships only if you have time, and you never have time. If a few people persist in trying to be your friend, avoid them. 
6. PERSONALIZE ALL CRITICISM. Anyone who criticizes any aspect of your work, family, dog, house, or car is mounting a personal attack. Don't take time to listen, be offended, then return the attack! 
7. MALES AND FEMALES ALIKE - BE MACHO. Never ever ask for help, and if you want it done right, do it yourself! 
8. BECOME A WORKAHOLIC. Put work before everything else, and be sure to take work home evenings and weekends. Keep reminding yourself that vacations are for sissies.
9. DISCARD GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS. Schedule in more activities every day than you can possibly get done and then worry about it all whenever you get a chance. 
10. PROCRASTINATE. Putting things off to the last second always produces a marvellous amount of stress. 
11. WORRY ABOUT THINGS YOU CAN'T CONTROL. Worry about the stock market, earthquakes, the approaching Ice Age, you know, all the big issues. 
12. BECOME NOT ONLY A PERFECTIONIST BUT SET IMPOSSIBLY HIGH STANDARDS......and either beat yourself up, or feel guilty, depressed, discouraged, and/or inadequate when you don't meet them. 
13. THROW OUT YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR. Staying stressed is no laughing matter, and it shouldn't be treated as one.