We all love the concept of going “all in”. But BEFORE we do, using tools like the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. template will get us dialed in like a laser and really improve goal setting and achievement. To read that article, click here.
I mentioned last time that in addition to Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound — there were two relatively new additions to the template that make success go way up. They are Emotion and Reward.
If you recall, I walked you through running your first 10k race [article here] AHEAD of the national average. But I felt compelled to revisit the Emotion & Reward card. I spend a lot of time talking about this in my best-selling book, REWIRED.
Why is this important?
Growing up in the 70’s, if you put together a model airplane, car or anything – you needed glue. When we effectively put our emotions into preparing for a goal, it sticks in the mind like glue. To go a GIANT LEAP FURTHER, if we decide that this achievement will bring a Reward to someone else, it’s like Gorilla glue. Ever use Gorilla glue? They say it’s the strongest glue on planet earth.
So how does this work, brutha?
Simple. Get pictures, songs, or a string of words that are positive and goal-directed. Reflect for 10-15 minutes each morning on these as you picture training and doing the actual event. The second part is even more simple: think about someone who is in a slump and promise them something special on the other side of your achievement. I’m telling you, this is powerful stuff. Don’t let your cynicism and lazy mindedness get in the way of trying this. Then get back to me and let me know how it went!
Punch line? Make your Goals Stick by using the Gorilla glue of goal setting: your Emotions and a Reward that helps someone else out.
This is part 4½ of a ten-part series taken directly from “The Rewired Group – Coaching Experience“.