So, you've resolved to do something, perhaps give up smoking, perhaps go to the gym, or maybe a new diet. Having made that decision, next, ask yourself one question: on a scale of 1-10, how confident/committed am I to do what I have decided?
Hopefully a 10, but maybe a nine or an eight. The reason to ask this question is that if you score your commitment and confidence in doing what you have decided to do as less than an eight, the chances are you will not ultimately achieve your goal. Other things are more important and minor setbacks will likely derail your purpose.
But let's say you rated your confidence/commitment as a six, should you just give up? No, of course not. Ask yourself, what do I have to do to raise that six to an eight? Maybe you decide to get fit and decided to work out three times a week but rate your confidence in achieving that goal as only a six. Would cutting that down to just twice a week be more manageable and take it to an eight? Rather than three sessions in the gym, might you be more excited by a variation, mixing some cycling, running or tennis with gym work?
If going cold turkey on cigarettes is unappealing, could you progressively scale back, maybe each Monday cutting two cigarettes a day from the amount you smoke?
What takes you from a five, six or seven to an eight, nine or ten? So when you've decided on that goal, rate how confident/committed you are in achieving it and adjust your plan accordingly if you are not at least an eight. This can also provide a positive boost to morale because you set yourself up for success, not failure from the first instance.
Hopefully a 10, but maybe a nine or an eight. The reason to ask this question is that if you score your commitment and confidence in doing what you have decided to do as less than an eight, the chances are you will not ultimately achieve your goal. Other things are more important and minor setbacks will likely derail your purpose.
But let's say you rated your confidence/commitment as a six, should you just give up? No, of course not. Ask yourself, what do I have to do to raise that six to an eight? Maybe you decide to get fit and decided to work out three times a week but rate your confidence in achieving that goal as only a six. Would cutting that down to just twice a week be more manageable and take it to an eight? Rather than three sessions in the gym, might you be more excited by a variation, mixing some cycling, running or tennis with gym work?
If going cold turkey on cigarettes is unappealing, could you progressively scale back, maybe each Monday cutting two cigarettes a day from the amount you smoke?
What takes you from a five, six or seven to an eight, nine or ten? So when you've decided on that goal, rate how confident/committed you are in achieving it and adjust your plan accordingly if you are not at least an eight. This can also provide a positive boost to morale because you set yourself up for success, not failure from the first instance.
Author's note: I am a professional life and executive coach with a special interest in success and goal achievement. I work with individuals and groups to help them achieve their goals. I also undertake events and public speaking engagements. If you are interested in how I can help you or your organisation achieve your/its goals, without obligation, please get in touch via email (david at thecriticalcouple dot com) or via the contact tab on this website.