Bethany A. Ingraham || Massage Therapist & Writer: Side-Quests for Setting Goals & Increasing Productivity

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"We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience." - John Dewey

How important is it? Is it vital or necessary?
Is there a way to turn a "Have To" into a "Choose to?" What choices can you make around your approach? (Taking ownership of a process helps to increase one's sense of control, power, and capability, affirming one's autonomy.)
What is the purpose (the why) behind a task or objective?
What is the end result (the what) that you or someone else is aiming for?
What are the key tasks -- clear, simple, actionable steps -- you feel should be taken to accomplish this task or objective?
When in your immediate schedule can you make intentions to work on these tasks? ("If X happens, then I will Y.")

Identify 3 ways that you sabotage yourself.
Write down everything you do that creates value in the universe for one day.
Take a written inventory of all the larger things you have accomplished in your life.
Figure out if you are a starter or a finisher. Find strategies to balance out your shortcomings.
A Daily Wins or "Ta Da!" List: Identify and celebrate small wins and accomplishments, no matter how small. This will boost your confidence, your sense of satisfaction, help to build momentum, and help to generate interest. Sharing success stories with others can help to reshape perceptions and counter some negativity.
Make progress visible -- keep up the streak.
Consider: "Is this in alliance with my values?" vs. "How will this make me look in the eyes of other people?"
Is Your Goal a SMART(ER) Goal?

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become."
"With an identity-based approach, we start by focusing on who we wish to become, not what we want to achieve."
"Who is the type of person you want to become? What is one habit that casts a small vote for becoming that type of person?"

“I’m the type of person who [your desired identity]. The habit I’ll be focusing on is [habit that reinforces your desired identity].”

Determine a scaled-down, two-minute version of the habit you want to build and begin to master the art of showing up. That two-minute habit should be the smallest version of your habit that reinforces your desired identity.

Create an implementation intention that is specific and clear: “I will [behavior] at [time] in [location].” ("If X happens, then I will Y.")

"What did it look like when things went well? How can I replicate it?"
What do you need to be successful? What do you need to perform at your best? (Conditions & Environment)
"Our priorities emerge from our values."
Test ideas now, in their simplest forms, and build on what works:
- What did we learn?
- What would we do differently?
- What ideas can we test next time?

"When we're in a positive mood, we tend to consider a broader range of actions, be more open to new experiences, and better integrate the information we receive. In other words, feeling good boosts our creativity -- and our productivity."
"Success doesn't lead to feeling good. Feeling good leads to success."
"When we feel bad we achieve less."
"What would this look like if it were fun?"
"What am I afraid of? Where does this fear come from?"
10-10-10 Rule:

Schedule Time to Do Nothing: "Breaks aren't a special treat. They're an absolute necessity."
Forgive Yourself: "I didn't do Y, but I did do Z."

Thursday, December 26, 2024