Results: Have You Achieved Yours?
Think through this past year. What changes in your life did you want to see? What did you want to be doing differently? What new did you want to be doing? As you were strolling down memory lane you may have been left feeling upset by your results. Trust me; I have been there. I once felt that way, but in the past year something happened.
I wanted to be back in the size of clothing that I was in 2005, to start a blog, create a website to promote myself as a speaker, obtain my Toastmasters designation as a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), and give a TED talk. What results have I achieved in the past year?
I lost several inches and a whole lot of pounds – 75 to be exact, putting me back in the size I was in 2005. You're reading this, which means the blog is live. Obtaining my DTM designation is close to happening. What about that TED talk? Well, that has yet to be addressed. It is a stretch, but I will keep working towards that.
Oh yes, I cannot leave out the website for promoting my speaking. I have set a target date of October 1, 2015 to have that up. I have been a little bit unsure about how to get it together, but my approach to achieving that goal will be much like what I did in order to reach my weight loss goal.
[Update: Since the time this was originally posted, the speaking website went live. Check out pamelaburke.com]
If you would like to change your results, use the framework that follows to move you towards achieving your desired results.
Focus on Change to Get Results
“If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.” – Jack Dixon
That is exactly what I realized. In order for me to get the results I desired, I first needed to change. I needed to change the way I thought, how I acted, and how I responded to discomfort. If you want to see results, I encourage you to use the four keys, I call MAC'D, to help you focus on change.
Mindset – Change Your Mind
Changing your mind means changing the way you currently think. If you think you can’t, then you won’t try. If you believe you are not worthy, then you will act like you are not worthy. If you say you don’t know how, then you will not seek the resources to show you how. You get my idea. Bottom line, as long as you maintain this line of limiting thinking you will remain the same, without change. To see the change in you that you want to see, change the way you think and the language that you speak.
Action – Every Step Counts
You said it before or for months, perhaps even for years, “I am going to” do whatever it is you say that you would do, but you have yet to bask in the afterglow of your results. What, then, does it take to move into action? Having a renewed mindset as previously stated, then making the decision to act. There is no more talking, wishing, or dreaming about it. You simply “do.” Do not worry about the size or the breadth of the action. No matter how small your action may be, as long as you are doing something that is moving towards your final result, that action is significant.
Commitment – Maintain Consistency
Changing the way you think and deciding to act is how you start. Starting, however, does not lead to results; finishing what you started does. You finish by being committed to what you started. That commitment to stay the course happens by maintaining consistency, no matter what. For example, what is the tendency when you are challenged or do not see the results that you desire? To throw up your hands and stop, right? If you're in a funk, maintaining consistency will help you come out of it. Even better, with time, what you do consistently becomes routine. Satya Nani said, “A little progress every day adds up to big results.” Be patient with the process.
Discomfort – Be Willing to be Uncomfortable
When I am going through a workout with my personal trainer, it is not uncommon for me to give her the, “Woman, are you crazy?!!” look. After she chuckles at my facial expressions she says, “If I am not challenging you, I am not changing you.” What she throws my way at times is uncomfortable, but the results I have obtained are well worth it. When you are willing to be uncomfortable, you are changing in a good way. Welcome the discomfort.
Get MAC'D for Life Changing Results
MAC'D for Results: Mindset + Action + Consistency + Discomfort. Go back through your year. For those changes you wanted to see, for what you wanted to do differently, or the new things that you wanted to do, but have yet to see results, start using the MAC'D formula. By doing so you will achieve life changing results.
Start the Discussion: What methods do you use to achieve life changing results? Share in the comments of the post, on Facebook or Twitter.