So why did we start talking about S.M.A.R.T. goals, when there's really something much better?
Several reasons, actually. First, S.M.A.R.T. goals are easier to teach and learn, and they can lead to some decent breakthroughs without a lot of thinking or effort. In other words, working with them gets you on the court, thinking and taking new actions. And those are good things.
Now, though, it's time to ramp up your game. Time for the major leagues!
So, to step back a little, what you're after is breakthrough results without working crazy-hard. I think that's a fair statement. If you had to work really hard, extreme success wouldn't be all that fun, because you'd be exhausted all the time. You might have the income and the toys you always wanted, but you wouldn't be able to enjoy them. The next step of our journey, though, is about having it all.
You will probably agree that in order to really move ahead, you must change some habits, patterns, or behaviors. So, in a sense, you could say we're really talking about change.
But change is problematical, because people usually don't "change" all that often (you married folks can probably attest to that!). As a matter of fact, paradoxically, it's actually empowering (and of some relief) that you can't truly change much about yourself. Take these points into consideration:
- Many people say your personality is formed by age 6 (the main aspects, at least).
- We resist significant change (even though we want it). We may want to lose 20 pounds, but we resist doing what it takes.
- You can't make other people change. (I can't make you change, either!)
- Truly important shifts do occur, however, during transformation (such as near-death experiences, "hitting bottom," and sudden life-altering realizations).
So we're really after tranformation, which I'm going to define loosely as a state of mind where things don't change, but you interpret them altogether differently. Transformation is at the heart of empowerment.
Let me go on:
- One fundamental shift in your way of thinking could dramatically impact the quality of your life.
- Many shifts are possible.
- Ultimately, transformation is not about improving, tweaking, refining, or incremental change.
- It is a sudden, off-the-charts movement, and it's usually quite unpredictable.
- It's a whole new way of doing business.
Next week, we're going to get a baseline of who you are and how you're put together. From there, we can take the next step toward this "Ultimate Motivating Force™."
Be patient; this is an ongoing journey!
Send any questions, comments, stories, or sales problems to
dan@optimumbizdev.com, and I'll personally send you a response!
LAST WEEK'S HOMEWORK: You were to think about what makes goalsetting more powerful. You probably came at the assignment from the point of view that what you're doing isn't enough or wrong in some way. That's okay, but it's not what will give you the most "juice."
THIS WEEK'S HOMEWORK: What was one of the most formative memories in your early life? Can you see how you approached life from that point forward? Do you think the incident helped you or hurt you? Or both?
Please take a minute and let me know how you're doing out there. How have these tips been helping you?
