We all define success differently and we will achieve our own success in ways that align best with who we are and who we are being. I believe even more strongly that this recipe is valid today in the middle of all our efforts to pass through this pandemic safely!
Any recipe for success, then, has to take that into account. The preparation for this recipe starts with strengths, values, vision and purpose (svvp).
Delivering the success that will come from the prep work requires, focus, health and mental toughness, goals and a plan.
In the first two parts of this series we talked about strengths, values, vision, and purpose. The next steps in the recipe for success today are to focus, set goals, and create a plan.
The key here is that you have to be ready! If you aren’t ready to do this amount of work - and ready is different than intending to do the work or wanting to - none of what I’ve written or what I can offer as a coach will make a difference.
If you’re ready, you will need to focus. Personally, I feel it can be tougher today than in recent years even to focus. There is so much going on. Yet, focus is exactly what you need.
Focus is about setting that number one priority cleanly. I often see my clients say they have 1a’s and 1b’s with no clear 1st priority. To achieve focus you must be willing to state what is your one, number one priority. Otherwise there is no focus!
Setting goals is a process that involves more than just a high level goal. Goal setting means, setting a top goal. Then setting sub-goals, a set of which will deliver the top goal. And, the best approach is to set micro-goals that lead to achieving the sub-goals. This will allow you to complete small chunks that collectively achieve something bigger and they are task you can knock-off over the course of a week!
Another tip, setting goals by describing what you will have or what will be different when you achieve the goal is a way to ensure you are able to keep your motivation high.
Finally, the plan is your best, most informed approach to completing the micro steps. Making progress this way is guaranteed to get you success! Having a plan also lets you know when you haven’t moved forward. When that happens be honest with yourself on what you chose to do instead of complete your plan. This will help you identify what got in the way, adjust your focus and continue to move forward.
So, if you’re ready - and you’ve read this far so I hope that’s the case - to do all the work above, by yourself or with a thinking partner, you will be successful. I can almost guarantee success, if you can maintain your emotional balance (mental toughness) and health along with focus, goals and a plan!