Most of us have heard the adage “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” While this may be true in many instances, there are some circumstances where it’s not exactly the case. When it comes to working towards and achieving our goals, sometimes we need to reflect on past triumphs and use that same approach to forge a path to future success!
For this week’s goal-setting tip, I challenge you to repeat what worked! After all, we can reference another age-old quote when it comes to this approach…“if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Think back to a time when there was a certain method, routine, or system that really worked for you and capitalize on that as you take steps to achieve your current aspirations. Maybe sticking to a low-carb, high-protein way of eating helped you improve your health and shed some unwanted “LB’s” in the past. Or perhaps the 50/10 rule (allowing a 10 minute break for every 50 minutes of work) increased your focus and productivity when tackling that big project or assignment. Maybe blocking off an hour each day on your Google or Outlook calendar helped you stay committed to making those 10 daily sales calls.
One example of repeating what worked that I like to share in my goal-setting keynote, Dare to Be Different! 3 Keys for Goal-setting Success, is that of legendary NFL placekicker, Tom Dempsey. Tom held the NFL record for longest field goal kick (a whopping 63 yards!) for over 40 years. What makes this accomplishment all the more impressive is the fact that Tom was born with only half a right foot. You read that right, a highly-successful placekicker in the NFL had no toes! When he was young, Tom’s parents encouraged him to try various sports. After a little trial and error, they found that kicking a football was Tom’s strength, so he kept it (repeated what worked) and honed his skills so highly that he became a professional athlete!
Your task this week is to think back on your past successes and more specifically, what it was that worked and helped you accomplish that goal. Determine what your strength is that needs to be repeated and go back and repeat it!
FUN FACT: While Albert Einstein is often credited with the “definition of insanity” quote, there is no evidence he actually uttered those now-famous words!
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