Every once in a while a quote hits differently, and this week I read one that did just that.
“If successful and unsuccessful people share the same goals, then the goal cannot be what differentiates the winners from the losers” It was in a book called Atomic Habits by James Clear.
Maybe I have drank too much of the liberal Kool Aid, but I didn’t like his use of the word losers, but, taken with a grain of salt, he’s right. The first step is always setting a direction, but so often we get stuck there. We decide what we want, but then we don’t execute. We don’t take action. And so if the setting of goals and aspirations isn’t what creates success, what does?
To be clear, I do believe we need to have a destination in mind. We need to know what we want; AMBITION is essential. We also need to have what is called EXPECTANCY, which means we have to believe we can achieve it.
But next we need to treat these goals like we would our most important relationship. We need to pay ATTENTION and put EFFORT towards these goals EVERY DARN DAY.
Goals are for setting a direction, but systems are essential for making progress.
And so, set your goal, but create the steps or action plan that you need to take to get there. And remember, your steps don’t have to be huge; tiny persistent steps over time will breed powerful results.
According to James Clear, “If you can get 1 percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up 37 times better by the time you’re done. Conversely, if you get 1 percent worse each day for one year, you’ll decline nearly down to zero.”
And so once you decide what direction you are heading in, forget the destination, forget the goal, focus on the systems and the process. Small steps forward each day will equate to massive results. (Note: Bad habits also compound over time!).
We don’t rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our systems.
Need an example of a system? Do you want to start working out in the mornings? Make sure you set yourself up for success…go to bed early, make sure all your fitness clothing is washed and ready to go the night before, set your alarm clock etc. Do you want to start eating healthier? Meal plan, grocery shop and meal prep for the week on a Sunday. Make sense?
I’d love to hear if you have a goal or an ambition and what systems you are going to have or already have to help you get there. Also, ask yourself, is there any thing you can do to make that system or process a little bit better?
And in case no one has told you this today. I believe in you. I believe in your ability to make change and create a brighter future than you ever thought possible. It all starts with some GOOD DECISIONS in combination with DAILY DISCIPLINE, and you will create a MASTERPIECE OF POTENTIAL.
Have an amazing day,
xo Christine
