Inspired by one of my favorite TED talks: How great leaders inspire action by Simon Sinek.
Once New Years resolutions have faded, what will inspire YOU to take action throughout the year in how you lead your life? Although Sinek's examples and arguments mostly relate to business and inter-relational leadership (company/client, leader/employee etc.), I'd like to explore how we can apply the same principles of "starting with WHY" in leading our own lives. Let's explore a goal that many of us have had in some variation at the beginning of a year: get in shape. Whether that means loosing weight, exercising or eating healthier. Perhaps it entails changing some habits around alcohol, sugar or stress. So, how do we tend to go about setting our goals for the year?... WHAT you do New years resolutions tend to focus on the WHAT. For our "Get in shape" example, you might end up with goals like: Cut down on carbs, exercise more, or loose 10lb before the summer. Perhaps this inspires you to hit the gym for a few weeks in January (have you noticed how full the gyms and yoga studios are in January!). Yet, how many times have you had good intentions at the beginning of the year, only to have them fade - or completely fall off your radar - already by February!!? HOW you do it Slightly better, and more likely to stick would be if you also create a plan for HOW you will do it. To "Get in shape", you might buy a membership at a club and commit to exercising each Tuesday and Thursday right after work. You might even get a exercise buddy - someone you can count on to keep you accountable. You might even consider - in advance - what is likely to get in the way of you acting on your plan, and come up with ways to handle those challenges. Your chances of success are getting better and better :). With a clear HOW - you are much more likely to follow through and succeed toward your goals. Now that's seems like a pretty solid plan of action, right? Yes, it is much more solid than just a brief new years resolution statement in "WHAT" form. I would even estimate that you have a "fair" chance of succeeding. However... As Sinek mentions in his talk, the part of our brain that is responsible for making decisions (the limbic brain) is motivated by emotion, not so much by words and reasoning... So, in order to create an intention that can inspire you to push through when "the going gets tough" - or when you get to busy.... or when you just don't feel like it... or when you feel frustrated at the lack of progress... - you need to get clear on your "WHY". WHY you do it To get clarity of my WHY, in the example of the "getting in shape" goal, I might ask myself; Why would I bother getting shape? Why would I spend time and energy at the gym? Why would I choose oatmeal over a bagel and cream cheese for breakfast? Why is it important to me to weigh 10lb less by the time summer rolls around? Personally, my answers to those questions would lead me to realize the importance for me to feel strong and fit, so that I can live my daily life with engagement and energy. I want to stay healthy for many many years to enjoy my life, with friends and family. I see myself actively playing with my grand-kids (many years from now! :)) and traveling the world together with my also aging but equally healthy husband. Yeah, I want THAT! That's the "WHY" that I will tap into when I am tempted to choose laziness over exercise. That's the "WHY" that triggers an emotional response for me and that will keep me motivated to choose both healthier activities and foods. Over to you Whether you did set any new years resolutions for the year that is enting or not, I hope this inspires you to consider your "WHY" for something that you want in your life. Consider: Why does it matter? What is the reason you'd put in the time and energy toward that goal? Why? Why? Why? Take your time. Write about it, talk about it, dream about it! Vision board about it... make it come alive and touch you on an emotional level :) With that, I want to wish you a truly FULFILLING and MEANINGFUL New Year!! Ulrika BONUS: When you're clear on your WHY, share it and LIVE it and you will attract "those that believe what you believe"! Then you can inspire and support each other in implementing what truly matters to both of you/all of you. |
AuthorAs a Holistic Time Management coach Ulrika reflects on ways to live our every day on purpose - with agility. Archives
June 2018
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