Tag Archives: implementation
Look for the Golden Nugget
Posted by RichFettke.
"It isn’t what the book costs; it’s what it will cost if you don’t read it." -Jim Rohn
I often suggest that my coaching clients and audiences read books that will stimulate their minds and give them ideas for self-development. Several times I’ve had people say to me, "I’ve read lots of those books and they all seem to say the same thing." This is true, except HOW they say it is often different.
There are universal principles for success that have been around for thousands of years. I have a quote on the wall of my office that says, "Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny." The Greek poet and philosopher, Heraclitus said that in 500 B.C.
I’ve seen a similar message in several of today’s books, but it was related to different examples. I’ve had clients share the same awareness with me that, although they may have read the same lesson earlier in their life, it had a whole new application to the life they are living today.
One idea from one book can have a major impact on your success — but you never know in which book you might find that one idea. Therefore, the more quality books you read (or listen to) the better chance you will have of finding a golden nugget that could change your life.
ACTION IDEA:
Find a book this week that offers ideas for business and/or self-development. Create a daily habit of reading (or listening) for a certain amount of time — such as fifteen minutes or a half-hour. One of the best ways to improve your chances of doing this is to wake up a little earlier in the morning to read. You will begin your day by stimulating your mind and you will possibly discover new ideas to enhance your life.
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A Fine Way to Get Motivated
Posted by Rich Fettke.
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going. -Jim Ryun
My coaching client, Jeff, had a goal to exercise three times per week. He said that when he works out he feels better, has more energy and feels more fulfilled throughout the day. The problem was that Jeff was not working out! His job as a financial planner took up much of his time and he always seemed to have an excuse for not making it to the health club. I could sense the frustration in his voice during our coaching sessions whenever he told me that another week went by without a workout.
I first asked Jeff the reasons he wanted to work out. He gave me a list of all the reasons and benefits and then he said, "I just don’t seem to have the discipline in the moment. When I have the chance to go to the gym, I usually find something else to do, like call a couple clients or organize my office."
I then asked him, "What association or organization has a mission that you just don’t believe in?" Somewhat curious, he told me that he didn’t support the mission of a certain organization. Then came the challenge. I said, "Okay Jeff, let’s set up a fine. If you don’t get three workouts in by next week’s coaching session, will you mail a check to that organization for $500?" There was silence on the other end of the phone. He knew what I was doing. He knew this was not only a test to see how committed he was to exercising, but also a way to challenge him to take action on a goal that had been eluding him for months.
Finally, Jeff said, "Yes, I accept that challenge." The next week he came to his coaching call excited and inspired. He got in three great workouts and he felt energized! The challenge worked. He asked to keep the same challenge going for the next week, and then the next week and so on. The fine was just the push Jeff needed. The momentum he created by developing the habit of three workouts per week continued, and after a few weeks he didn’t even need the fine anymore (though he chose to keep it just in case).
ACTION IDEA:
How could you use a challenge like this in your life? What is an activity that would benefit you, but you keep putting it off? Use the challenge of a fine with one of your success partners and watch how action and momentum are created.
