The High Achievers Goal Setting Formula, by Doug Grady
December 18, 2010 by Doug · 7 Comments
The High Achievers Goal Setting Formula, by Doug Grady
Recently I registered for a run called the Tough Mudder, billed as the “Toughest One Day Run on the Planet.” It features 12 miles of grueling terrain in the North Georgia mountains, includes 18 obstacles and is modeled after British Special Forces training. In sharing this with a friend he said “I’m not ready for that!” Hey- I’m not ready for it either- that’s why we train! What’s the hardest aspect of completing a marathon, a triathlon, or a Tough Mudder? If you have ever completed one, you already know. In most cases, the hardest thing about completing the run is not the “run” itself, it is, you guessed it… the training- the daily discipline of consistent, purposeful exercise. What’s the hardest thing about hitting your goals? The daily discipline of consistent, purposeful effort.
After registering for the Tough Mudder, something happened to my workouts almost immediately. They became more intense, more focused, and more purposeful. They also became more fun! Both consciously and unconsciously I began to “step it up”. I began more and more to look forward to my workouts. They became less of a “to-do” and more of a “get to”. An interesting thing happens when you “step up” your training. Your life tends to “step up” as well. There is no doubt in my mind that I will run and complete the Tough Mudder March 12, 2011.
What’s your level of certainty when you set goals? How do you feel when you are striving for something out of your current reach? What’s the difference in registering for the Tough Mudder and a typical “goal-setting" experience? Consider the following:
• I registered: I filled out an online application and sent it in with a $150 non-refundable payment. This got it out of my head and into reality.
• I know exactly when and where it will take place.
• It is on my calendar.
• I let others know I am doing it.
• I started training (taking action) the same day.
Champion athletes visualize winning in advance. Self-help books tell us to write our own eulogy. The late great comedian George Burns actually booked himself to play the London Palladium as a 100th Birthday celebration. Perhaps you’ve had the experience of being extraordinarily effective the week before a vacation. These are all ways of creating our future in advance. Our future affects our present.
Consider today creating an inspiring, definite future for yourself- one that will give you meaning, purpose and passion right now. Do you want to:
• Play the guitar? Sing? Do stand-up comedy? Book an open mic night.
• Lose weight? Register for a run, hire a trainer, buy the clothes you will fit into.
• Take a vacation? Call the hotel and give them a non-refundable deposit for a specific date.
• Start a business? Get the business card printed.
• Increase your sales? Register for a sales seminar, hire a coach, book a celebration date now for 3 months out.
• Write a book? Design the cover and look at it daily.
The best thing about an inspiring, definite future? It creates a passionate, purposeful present. How’s your future looking? What are you up to? Please post a comment- I really want to hear from you!
About Doug
You should check out the Spartan Races as well they have some pretty tough Races from 5K with obstacles to 48Hr insane adventure races. http://www.spartanrace.com
Way to go!
I volunteered for the Atlanta Tour de Pink last year & decided to ride 50 miles to raise money. You are right, I HATEd cycling, but once I made the commitment it became fun! I looked forward to it. Once the event was over, I decided to not only ride the century in Atlanta but the 220 mile three day east coast ride in 2011!
Now I have decided to go even further & make every (running & cycling) event/training that I do as a fundraiser for the YCS this year! SO I now have a goal of 1 event/month until the big ones in October! My hubby & I start with the flashlight 5k in Lawrenceville New year's eve! So here's to all of us who are making the commitment to a healthier life in 2011!
This is such a great example of creating postive momemtum Tere. Thanks for sharing this- please keep me posted of your progress. You never know how one positive commitment can change the course of your life. This is "The Ripple Effect" I have been writing about in action!
.The Tough Mudder series was created because there is not an event in America that tests toughness fitness strength stamina and mental grit all in one place and all in one day. Tough Mudder is a truly exceptional event for truly exceptional people.