Wild Success in 500 Words or Less

January 2009
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Posted on January 8th, 2009 by Darrin Mourer

I don’t know about you, but my head spins every year with all of the media attention on achieving New Year’s resolutions.

Let me see if I can cut through the clutter for you. In my experience this is the only process that truly works sustainably:

Pick only 1 - Pick one very significant goal you want to achieve in a reasonable time frame. If the required duration is longer than 18 months, choose a subset of your significant goal. Ensure that this goal does not first require you to achieve a separate significant goal (i.e. creating dependence).
Find the root - Many times we focus on solving the symptoms of deeper problems. Refine your goal by carefully considering the root of why you chose the goal and if this addresses it. For example, if you initially wanted to make more money, your subsequent analysis may show that you want more money because you aren’t satisfied in your current job. It may also be that your perceived status is tied to outward appearances of wealth. Your refined goal should address the real underlying problem or desire.
Solve it forever - If weight loss was your goal, a diet can’t be your only solution because it solves the problem temporarily (you did get overweight in the first place correct?). If you want to lose weight but love to eat or hate to exercise, the way you set about achieving your goal should be permanent behavior modification that ensures, once resolved, your achievement cannot be undone.
Publicize - Tell everyone about your goal. Plaster reminders where you will see them every single day. Desktop wallpaper, index card in the wallet, and placards on your desk are all easy possibilities. This ensures you are, even subconsciously, checking in with yourself regularly.
Don’t stop - If you fall off your bandwagon during this process it’s OK. Having such a clear focus with a single goal and constant reminders provides the willpower to get back on the horse when you stumble. Don’t stop your pursuit until you achieve it even if it takes longer than you like. Don’t give into temptation to broaden your focus because of early success. Stay focused!
Rinse and repeat - After you finally reach your goal pick another one and go again. If you’re choosing significant goals, there shouldn’t be more than 10 goals or so that lead you to wild success in your life. Doing this properly will take years to get through, but that is the price of admission for significant, long lasting improvement.