Enjoying the Ride
A bit of
further reflection made me realise this is true of most worthwhile pursuits
in life - whether you're a salesman, starting up a company, looking for
a relationship, or pursuing any sort of major life dream, there will inevitably
be numerous obstacles which need to be met and overcome before you get
to the bit that you really want to do (and are trained for!). The good
news is that with this reality in mind, a small shift in focus can begin
to reap huge dividends. By changing your goal from "to have made 100,000
in sales" to "to have had a really great time pursuing 100,000 in sales",
you put your attention back on the bit of the process that really is down
to you. And let's face it - if you're having a really great time doing
it, are you going to take more or less action than if you're hating every
minute of it? Today's
Experiment: 2. Under
"Task", list every possible task you can imagine doing in pursuit of your
goal. These can be as specific as "Phone Bob" or as vague as "Do some
research". 3. Next to
each task, in column 2, give yourself a score out of 10 for how pleasurable
you think the task would be to perform. 4. In column
3, give yourself a score out of 10 for how effective you think performing
the task would be in helping you move towards your goal. 5. Total
the scores in column 4. Go down the page and circle your top three scores.
These are your leverage actions - the activities with the highest chance
of helping you fulfill your goal of having a great time going for and
getting what you want! Have fun,
learn heaps, and enjoy the ride!
As I was leaving
my first ever audition for a Hollywood agent, I was struck by a curiously
inspirational thought - I may never get a break in this business, but I
will inevitably spend as much time as I want pursuing that break.
1. Divide a piece of paper into four columns. At the top of the left hand
column (column number 1), Write the word "Task". At the top of column
2, write the word "Pleasure". At the top of column 3, write the word "Effectiveness".
And at the top of column 4, write the word "Total."
