Why do we think that we can go from 0% activity to 100% activity overnight? Just because we can create a plan to implement an action, somehow we believe that the result is automatic.

One of my coaching instructors calls this magical thinking.

I like to think of it as, “Because I’ve decreed it, it must be so!”

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The reality is that creating change is tough!

  • If you have never created a to-do list, it’s unrealistic to think you will create one each night for the next 2 weeks.
  • If you haven’t made any prospecting calls in the last 3 months, it’s unrealistic to think you will make 15 each day for the next 30 days.
  • If your “typical” work day is 6 am – 9 pm, it’s unrealistic to think that you can transition immediately into a 6 hour day for the foreseeable future.
  • If you open your email the moment it arrives, it’s unrealistic to think you will only check your email 3 times each day tomorrow.
  • If you do everything yourself in your business, it’s unrealistic to think that you will delegate 75% of your tasks in a single week.
  • If you don’t have a marketing plan, it’s unrealistic to think you can make a social media impact in one week.
  • If you have no set plan for prioritizing tasks, it’s unrealistic to think you can consistently handle your #1 task.

Don’t get me wrong – I know the desire is there!  I also believe that you CAN accomplish all these things.

I just don’t believe they will happen overnight.  (Not only do I believe you can accomplish all of this – and more – I’ve seen it happen.  Each scenario described above is an actual change that a client has made over the last 6 months.)

But this change will take time.  And . . . when something takes time, it’s easy to get discouraged.

How can you change that?

Move out of the “all or nothing thinking” and into a new version of success.  

What is a small step in the correct direction?  What action can be a starting point to build momentum?

  • Adjust the frequency – Success is creating a to-do list for 4 of the next 10 days instead of all 10 days.  Then, shoot for 6 out of 10, then 8 out of 10, then 10 out of 10.  Or, check your email every hour, then every other hour until you feel comfortable checking it 3 times a day.
  • Adjust the amount – Success is making 3 phone calls every day instead of 15 each day.  Then increase the amount weekly until you get to 15 calls.
  • Slowly transition – Success is working 12 hours instead of 15 hours for a few weeks.  Then drop your work day to 10 hours for a few weeks, then 8 hours . . .
  • One bite at a time  – pick 1 task that you know is the most important for today and accomplish that. Then tomorrow choose three. As you practice, you’ll get comfortable with prioritizing your whole to-do list.
  • Practice letting go – delegate just one task on your list for this week. Next week, find two. Over time you will begin to feel comfortable with letting go of tasks that others can do.

We know from physics that a body at rest will stay at rest.  (Thank you Isaac Newton!)  AND . . . it then follows that a body in motion will stay in motion.  When you able to continually hit your goals, you build excitement and confidence and your ability to hit bigger and bigger goals increases.  By defining your success as a small, doable action step – you can continue to hit your goal.

And then, change is possible!

Your turn!  What goal are you currently working to achieve.  How can you adjust your version of success?  Please post below.

Would you like some support accomplishing your goals?  

With a little coaching, you can easily create change. You can develop a framework and a system that allows you to put first things first -and live a life of purpose, accomplishment, and fun.  You can turn ideas into lasting action!

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