There’s a lot of joggers out right now, have you noticed? Fast ones, slow ones, big ones, small ones.
Joggers with new running gear. Joggers with strollers. Joggers who looked happy, and joggers I keep an eye on to make sure they don’t pass out in my lawn.
January is a month for beginning new things. Nearly every gym I know is holding some sort of challenge or special. My inbox at work is filled with once quite clients ready to get a jump on the new year. Everyone has something new they’re working on.
Awesome right?
Sure. But it won’t last.
In March the gyms will be back to the “usual crowd.” The trails won’t be packed with joggers anymore.
The excitement of new beginnings will be replaced with the steady beat of “the grind.” Next year… Next year things will be different.
Right?
What’s Missing
What’s missing that makes people give up on their new plans so quickly? Maybe some people just don’t have what it takes to succeed? Perhaps discipline is only available in January?
Suppose I stopped a jogger running by my house and asked them, “What’s up with the running?” What do you think they’d say?
“I”m trying to lose some weight.” or “I’m trying to get in shape.” Something like that.
Ah. I see.
Now suppose I stopped another jogger and asked the same question. Their response:
“I’m leading a group of high schoolers up one of Colorado’s highest mountains this summer! I’d never make the trip at this weight, and if I’m not in shape I won’t be able to make the summit with my group.”
Same basic message: They need to get in shape. They need to lose some weight. Check and check.
The difference is the second jogger has a big, giant WHY. When his alarm goes off at 6am and it’s 30 degrees outside he has the image of summating a mountain to get him out of bed. He can feel the pain of being left at camp as his group heads off to the peak without him.
Powerful.
And if you’re not planning on climbing one of the nations highest peaks? No worries, you just need a WHY that’s powerful to YOU. Maybe saving money for a fun vacation or putting in the time to learn some new skills to take your career to the next level.
Get creative. Explore yourself. What motivates you? Learn it. Use it.
Me and Life Stoked
For example, what about me? I spend hours building Life Stoked when I could be doing something much more relaxing – it’s hard work!
I’m so fired up to help people build lives they’re excited about that it keeps me up writing even when I’m sleepy. I’ve seen the impact these messages have had on my own life, and I love sharing that!
The WHY makes all the difference. It’s such a simple difference I fear you’ll neglect to take it seriously. The tendency is to gloss over it and not give it the attention it deserves.
Your 2012 Goals
Take out your 2012 list of goals and under each one write a WHY that really motivates you. Be honest. It can be selfish, vengeful, or any other number of less noble reasons, but it has to be yours and it has to get you going!
Can’t think of one? It happens. Each year I have a couple goals make my list and I just can’t come up with a good WHY. Cross that goal off – you’re wasting your time.
Did you find this post helpful? Share it with your friends – that’s how good ideas spread!
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This post is timely for me Deacon, as I am a shining example of having a huge “why”!
Quitting my job basically puts me in a position where I *have* to succeed, because the alternative is bankruptcy. My “why” is very effective!
dude YES! No doubt! You should write something about how you’re genuinely feeling right now heading into this. Just today I was reading a post a successful coach (@pastdue:twitter ) wrote about when he was just beginning and it was inspiring to hear what the very beginning was like.
No doubt you’ll knock it out of the park – but I’m sure you’re still at least a little freaked, hah. That’s how you know it’s going to be AWESOME!
Right on, Deacon. No plan B. Make it work!
Like the article Deacon, keep rolling brother.
Thanks Nate! It’s an important topic this time of year
Hi Deacon,
Sticking to a goal takes a lot of desire and for many their once strong passion to change dwindles with time.
Totally agree Justin! Clearly defining and writing down your WHY under your goal will go a long way to helping keep it fresh in your mind. I also make vision boards for my top three goals.
I’ve got 3 goals I set last year I”m still working on. I’m really pondering what my goals should be before jumping into something I really won’t finish.http://www.ahouseforchristmas.com
You said it Vickie! Most people don’t finish their goals because they lose interest along the way. In fact, I listened to a whole show this morning about people choosing to NOT set goals just to eliminate the problem.
I’m hosting a webinar soon that shows people how to avoid this problem. There’s nothing flawed with people who don’t finish their goals, but there’s usually something wrong with the way they set those goals, and that’s what this is about.
Check out CRUSH-2012 – I think it could help you accomplish some big things this year:
http://lifestoked-crush2012.eventbrite.com/