START 2014 OUT WITH A DIFFERENT MINDSET
1. Don’t substitute talk for action.
Many corporate teams spend so much time creating strategies and mission statements they don’t actually implement anything. The same goes for individuals. We plan, consider, discuss, brood—and count the word-spinning hours as “action.” We think we’re working toward our goals when in fact we’re spinning our wheels.
2. Do make your dreams a reality.
If you’re not sure whether you’re in danger of talking your dreams to death, try something for me. Today, whenever you mutter your usual reminders about cleaning the closet, learning to tango, or finding a new job/boyfriend/oven thermometer, make a note of it on a piece of paper. At the end of the day, read over your list and ask yourself, “Did I do anything that created a measurable change toward each goal
3. Don’t rely on fantasy transitions.
Companies often fail to act when managers don’t know every step in the processes they’re managing. The same thing happens when individuals have an incomplete plan. Uncertainty stops people in their tracks—smack-dab in the knowing-doing gap.
4. Do figure out what’s standing between you and your goals.
Compared with vague fantasies about achieving great things, grappling with the nitty-gritty realities of action is hard. It requires research, concentration, and creativity. But we’re actually happiest when we’re pushing the envelope of effort, not when we’re lost in daydreams. As you fill in the gaps in your knowledge, you’ll feel the kind of excitement that comes from real possibility, not just happy talk. Figuring out a plan of attack will practically catapult you over the knowing-doing gap.
5. Don’t scare yourself.
“I’ve got to stop eating junk or I’ll end up the size of an off-road vehicle and no one will ever love me and I’ll die of a heart attack before I ever see grandchildren!”
Now, while thinking those things, just notice: With fear ruling your mind, do you crave broccoli or fries? Of course you do.
6. Do discover the power of calm.
It seems so simple, but I’ve seen this strategy work over and over. When people stop scaring themselves and start calming themselves, they become far more productive and successful in every aspect of their lives. Try it right now, so you can use it the next time you’re scared. Stop and take a deep breath, then silently tell yourself simple things like “It’s okay.” “You’re all right.” “You can do this.” You’ll be amazed at the power of this humble mental-management technique to help you turn knowledge into action.
7. Do stop the inner arm wrestle.
If you feel stuck in some area of your life, it’s because contradictory beliefs are competing for control of your behavior. The problem is that we’re not always aware there is a private struggle going on. One way to figure out if you’re in the middle of an inner conflict is to write down a basic belief that’s driving behavior you want to change. For example, you may want to get out of a relationship but believe something like “I have to keep every commitment I ever made.” After writing down the belief, write the polar opposite of that statement (“I don’t have to keep every commitment”). Are there circumstances in which those opposing statements ring true?
You can end your internal arm wrestles by (a) discovering your competing ideas and (b) identifying the ones that feel untrue or stultifying. Find the erroneous thoughts, turn them over, and watch yourself finally begin to do what you know.
8. Don’t track the wrong things.
According to Pfeffer and Sutton, the authors of the book, companies with huge knowing-doing gaps tend to measure things that don’t really matter, such as hours worked rather than overall customer satisfaction. We have similar problems.
Before you do anything, consider what you’r
e really trying to accomplish and determine how you’ll chart your progress. Your goals should be specific, measurable, action based, realistic and time-lined. For example: If you want to exercise more often a SMART goal would be something like this. I will walk three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 30 mins at (x) pace.
e really trying to accomplish and determine how you’ll chart your progress. Your goals should be specific, measurable, action based, realistic and time-lined. For example: If you want to exercise more often a SMART goal would be something like this. I will walk three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 30 mins at (x) pace.
I don’t know about you but I feel motivated to work on my own knowing doing gaps!
Namaste
