Action
One word separates problems from solutions.
It is possible to witness a situation and do nothing.
Or you can let it move you, think of a way to change it, make it better, and improve it from the way you found it.
Tag: ambition
Choose your category
Some people live on the edge of what’s possible. They defy expectations and buck norms.
Some people follow what has come before. They do what they are told and stay in line.
Some people wander aimlessly. They dream about “what if” and believe success finds the lucky. They attribute greatness to others, failing to see it in themselves.
The difference lies in the acknowledgement of your worth, the realization of your strengths, confidence in your unique talents (for nobody does it quite like you), and the conversion of belief into action.
Pick yours.
Get what you want by working backwards
Big Goals — the ones worth mentioning — typically fall into one of two categories:
1. You really, really want something.
Big Goal: I want to … travel around the world, be the company’s top earner, find a fulfilling relationship, double my savings account, change careers.
2. You want to change your behavior.
Big Goal: I am going to … lose weight, eat mindfully, stop smoking, be independent, make confident decisions, become more organized.
Big Goals sound daunting because they’re not easy (if it sounds easy, it probably isn’t a Big Goal). These kinds of goals often entail major life changes — career, relationship, health — and require concentrated focus and energy.
Lately, many of my meetings have involved some sort of goal setting tirade: how to set goals, frustration with achieving them, fear of failing, uncertainty. Since my days working as a probation officer, I’ve encouraged people to set Big Goals, ones that are both lofty and achievable. The trick to success?
Work backwards.
This may sound counterintuitive, but it works.
After you’ve identified and set your Big Goal(s), you must plan smaller, manageable subgoals that point you in the direction of your identified finish line.
Big Goal: I am going to get fit.
subgoal: I am going to start a food diary.
subgoal: I will pack lunch twice this week.
subgoal: I am going to explore different forms of exercise and find what I enjoy.
subgoal: I am going to schedule workouts into my calendar.
etc.
It’s not enough to write your dream on a board and walk away. Your chances of accomplishing Big Goals proportionally increase with the planning and thought you put into your game plan. Subgoals are essential if you’re looking to knock it out of the park.
Set periodic check-in reminders to help you assess whether you are on track. Think of it as a training plan: no marathoner wills himself past the finish line. Successful race days are the result of many mini-runs, planned efforts set with an end result in mind. There’s a reason step-by-step guides work. They take complex processes and break them down into approachable actions.
Big Goal: I am going to get fit.
today: I am going to start a food diary.
this week: I will pack a lunch twice this week.
by next week: I am going to explore different forms of exercise and find one that I enjoy.
this month: I am going to schedule workouts.
etc.
Set Big Goals. Don’t cut yourself slack.
Just increase your betting odds by making a plan to get there.
Last year’s learnings
Unapologetically know your worth.
Reinvent yourself often.
No situation is worth your health or happiness.
If your passion is dying, change something.
Your heart doesn’t lie.
Relationships take work, effort, and commitment.
Both sides need to be equally invested for it to work.
You can’t prepare for the unexpected. Just know it can happen.
Don’t be afraid to scream YES! when opportunity comes knocking.
Hiding excitement doesn’t benefit anyone.
No one will set boundaries for you.
No one knows what you’re truly capable of.
You are so much greater than you think.
Life is more fun when you’re authentic.
There’s no better way to learn about yourself and the world than through adventure.
Everyone loves a good surprise.
It’s up to you to communicate and demonstrate your passion.
Ship. Ship often.
Go.
audacious goals
Yesterday I joined a call with several dynamic professionals. The topic? Audacious goals. It made me realize that it isn’t often we verbalize our innermost dreams. Which is unfortunate.
There is something powerful about setting intention, announcing with clarity and conviction what you want and where you are going.
It’s easy and passive to let life come to you. The risky way? Making it known — and going after it.
Set one audacious goal this month. Failing is relative.
Gratitude
Very few people are exactly where they want to be. Everyone’s searching, striving for something.
More money, a better job, important responsibilities, a patient spouse, a new car, meaning, freedom, flexibility. Reasons differ, but the drive is the same. The quest for movement, for change, for different.
Knowing this, allow yourself one day to be grateful for exactly where you are. In this very moment, you are right where you need to be. You have everything you need. Delight in that. Recognize where you’ve come from and send gratitude to those who have helped get you there.
Tomorrow’s another day.