Category:

Goals

205 – Harnessing Military Brat Lessons

by Jill October 1, 2024

In her book, Nine Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat’s Guide to Life and Success, Harris Faulkner shares lessons she learned from growing up in a military family. These principles have shaped her approach to life, success, and leadership. Although rooted in military values, the nine rules Faulkner outlines are universally applicable to anyone seeking personal growth, resilience, and achievement.

One of the most striking lessons Faulkner highlights is the importance of trusting in your own potential. In the military, individuals are trained to push past their limits, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Boot camp is not just about physical endurance; it’s about discovering inner strength. By pushing soldiers to their extremes, the military teaches them how far they can go—and that they can go even further. Faulkner draws a parallel to this mindset in everyday life, where challenges are opportunities to discover and tap into unrecognized strengths.

Faulkner also emphasizes the importance of “recruiting your own special forces,” a metaphor for surrounding yourself with trusted people who have your back. Whether in the military or civilian life, having a support system is crucial for navigating life’s challenges. Your personal “special forces” are the people who offer unconditional support, help you through tough times, and encourage you to push forward when the going gets tough. Faulkner’s message is clear: life’s battles are not meant to be fought alone.

Another core lesson in Faulkner’s book is about overcoming personal demons. Whether it’s bad habits, fears, or emotional baggage, everyone faces obstacles that can hold them back. Faulkner shares her own experience with overcoming tardiness and how it affected her academic and professional life. By tackling these challenges head-on and cultivating good habits, she shows how we can improve ourselves and overcome even the most ingrained obstacles. This self-awareness and commitment to personal growth are essential in achieving long-term success.

Staying ready for action is another key theme in Nine Rules of Engagement. Faulkner believes that readiness is crucial, not just in the military, but in all aspects of life. She encourages staying physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared to seize opportunities when they arise. Being prepared ensures that when challenges come—whether expected or not—you are ready to face them head-on.

Finally, Faulkner’s message of leading with integrity and a sense of purpose is inspiring. She advises readers to think like a general, not just for their personal success but for the success of those around them. Leadership, she argues, isn’t about command; it’s about setting an example, being resilient, and helping others rise to their potential.

In conclusion, Faulkner’s Nine Rules of Engagement offers a blueprint for success rooted in military values but applicable to all. Whether it’s trusting your potential, building a supportive team, overcoming personal challenges, staying ready, or leading with purpose, these rules can help anyone navigate life’s ups and downs. The key takeaway? Resilience, teamwork, and integrity will guide you to achieve your goals, no matter the battlefield.

https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/harris-faulkner

https://abcnews.go.com/US/book-excerpt-harris-faulkners-rules-engagement/story?id=56245142

October 1, 2024 0 comments

Goals

Creating Your Own Luck

by Jill August 6, 2024

Luck is not some mystical force that randomly graces individuals. Instead, it is a blend of preparedness and opportunity. This idea, central to A.H.Z. Carr’s book “How to Attract Good Luck and Make the Most of It in Your Daily Life,” challenges the traditional concept of luck and provides actionable steps to enhance it in our lives.

Carr emphasizes that luck is not about chance or superstition but about how we respond to opportunities that come our way. A chance event can transform into luck based on our reactions. For instance, a wind blows a piece of paper in our path—do we ignore it or pick it up and discover something valuable? This response to chance is what defines luck.

Carr’s approach to improving luck involves increasing the chances of encountering opportunities and being prepared to seize them. He categorizes the journey to luck into three phases: attraction, recognition, and response. The first phase, attraction, revolves around being a likable person. Likable individuals naturally draw others to them, creating more opportunities. This attraction is fostered by having zest for life—an enthusiastic, vibrant approach that draws people in.

However, Carr warns against traits that repel luck, such as greediness and anxiety. These behaviors create barriers to opportunities and diminish the chances of positive interactions. Instead, embracing friendliness and maintaining a generous spirit can enhance one’s luck. Carr shares anecdotes of serendipitous meetings and friendships that illustrate the importance of openness and friendliness in creating luck.

The second phase, recognition, involves identifying opportunities when they arise. This requires being alert and attuned to the rhythms of life. People often miss chances because they do not recognize them as such. Carr advises developing the skill to see potential in small events, as even minor opportunities can lead to significant outcomes.

The final phase, response, is about acting on recognized opportunities. Carr shares personal stories and examples from others to highlight the importance of responding appropriately to opportunities. Whether it’s applying for a new job, pursuing a new relationship, or trying a new venture, taking action is crucial.

Carr also touches on the need to be adaptable. He uses the analogy of city versus rural life to illustrate how different environments offer different opportunities. Recognizing the rhythm of your environment and adapting accordingly can lead to more significant opportunities.

In essence, Carr’s book is a guide to creating luck through intentional actions and attitudes. By being likable, recognizing opportunities, and responding effectively, anyone can increase their chances of experiencing good luck.

Takeaways:

Luck is Preparedness Meeting Opportunity: Luck isn’t random; it’s about being prepared when opportunities arise.
Be Likable and Generous: Attract luck by being friendly and generous. These traits draw opportunities to you.
Recognize Opportunities: Train yourself to see potential in everyday events and small chances.
Act on Opportunities: Don’t let opportunities pass by; take decisive action to capitalize on them.
Adapt to Your Environment: Understand and adapt to the rhythms of your surroundings to increase your chances of luck.

Embracing these principles can transform your approach to luck and help you create a life filled with opportunities and positive outcomes.

August 6, 2024 0 comments

Goals

The MEEPS Method for Problem-Solving

by Jill July 21, 2024

Change is hard, but with the right strategy, it becomes manageable. The MEMPS method—Motivate, Equip, Nudge, Push, and Shove—offers a structured approach to tackling problems and achieving goals. Here’s how you can apply this method to your own life. The system takes into account the book by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, Nudge.

Motivate The first step is to inspire excitement. Create a vision board, set clear goals, and involve your friends and family for support. Motivation is about fostering a desire for the end result, making the journey towards it exciting and desirable.

Equip Preparation is crucial. Ensure you have everything you need before starting. For example, if you’re aiming to exercise more, have the right clothes, shoes, and a gym plan ready. Properly equipping yourself prevents loss of momentum and sets a solid foundation for success.

Nudge Subtle reminders and small incentives help keep you on track. Whether it’s setting reminders on your phone or using apps like Streaks, gentle nudges maintain progress without overwhelming pressure. They serve as friendly prompts to keep you moving in the right direction.

Push Sometimes, a firmer approach is necessary. Set clear, measurable benchmarks and involve others to hold you accountable. If mornings aren’t working for your exercise routine, adjust the plan. Direct actions, like placing alarm clocks away from your bed, ensure you take necessary steps towards your goals.

Shove This is the last resort. It involves significant consequences or commitments that make it almost impossible not to follow through. For instance, committing to give away money if you don’t achieve a goal can be a powerful motivator. While harsh, shoves ensure that critical goals are met.

The MEMPS method is versatile and can be tailored to various goals, from health and fitness to professional development. By following these steps, you create a structured pathway to success, ensuring that every effort you make brings you closer to your desired outcome. Start with motivation, prepare yourself, nudge gently, push when needed, and reserve the shove for when it’s absolutely necessary.

July 21, 2024 0 comments

Goals

199 – Overcoming Costs and Creating Incentives

by Jill July 9, 2024

Costs and incentives play crucial roles in shaping our decisions and behaviors. From economic implications to emotional and time investments, understanding these factors can help us make better choices in various aspects of our lives.

The Power of Incentives

Incentives, whether monetary, social, or intrinsic, significantly influence our actions. Stephen Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics, highlighted how even small incentives could drive substantial changes in behavior. Incentives are everywhere—from bonuses at work to rewards for good grades. They motivate us by providing tangible or intangible benefits, making us more likely to engage in certain activities.

For example, in a work setting, financial incentives such as bonuses or pay raises can boost productivity. Social incentives, such as recognition and praise, can also be powerful motivators, fostering a positive work environment and encouraging employees to excel. Intrinsic incentives, which provide personal satisfaction or a sense of purpose, are particularly effective in motivating long-term behavioral changes.

The True Cost of Decisions

Understanding the full spectrum of costs associated with our decisions is essential. Costs are not limited to financial expenses; they also include time, stress, and opportunity costs. For instance, when considering a new job, one must evaluate not only the salary but also the time required for the commute, the potential stress of a new work environment, and the opportunity cost of leaving the current job.

Opportunity cost, a critical concept in economics, refers to the benefits we forgo when choosing one option over another. For example, choosing to spend time on a hobby means sacrificing time that could be spent on other activities, such as working or socializing. Recognizing these hidden costs helps us make more informed decisions.

Psychological Barriers and Behavioral Economics

Our decision-making is also influenced by psychological biases and barriers. Fear of change and resistance to new methods can prevent us from making beneficial choices. For instance, people may stick to outdated software because they are comfortable with it, despite the potential advantages of newer systems.

Behavioral economics combines psychology and economics to understand these biases. It explains why people might choose an immediate, smaller reward over a larger, delayed one—a concept known as hyperbolic discounting. By being aware of these biases, we can develop strategies to overcome them.

Strategies to Manage Costs and Enhance Incentives

To make better decisions, it’s crucial to identify and manage costs effectively. This involves recognizing both direct and indirect costs, such as the emotional toll of stress or the time cost of a lengthy commute. Once these costs are understood, they can be mitigated through informed planning and strategic decision-making.

Similarly, creating effective incentive structures is key. Clear goals and rewards, visible progress tracking, and regular reassessment of incentive programs ensure they lead to desired behaviors without unintended negative consequences. For instance, an incentive program that rewards quantity over quality might lead to a decrease in overall product quality.

Conclusion

Understanding and balancing costs and incentives are essential for making informed decisions and fostering positive behavior changes. By recognizing the true costs of our actions and strategically implementing incentives, we can improve our personal and professional lives. Next time you face a decision, consider both the visible and hidden costs, and think about what incentives might help you achieve your goals.

July 9, 2024 0 comments

2024 Goals

197 – Seven Key Questions to Be Self-Aware

by Jill June 17, 2024

Understanding our essential self is a journey, one that requires introspection and a willingness to ask challenging questions. We look into these questions, drawing from Dain Dunston’s book, Being Essential: Seven Questions for Living and Leading with Radical Self-Awareness. This two-part series emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in navigating life’s journey and achieving personal growth.

Question 1: Where Are You?

This question, reminiscent of God’s inquiry to Adam in the Garden of Eden, asks us to evaluate our current position in life. It’s not just about our physical location but our emotional and psychological state. Understanding where we are allows us to chart a course for where we want to go.

Question 2: Why Are You Here?

Identifying the meaning behind our existence and actions can transform our approach to life. Knowing our purpose provides clarity and direction, making everyday challenges more manageable.

Question 3: Who Are You Being?

This question examines the roles we play in life. Are we acting as our essential selves or as synthetic versions of ourselves? Recognizing the difference is crucial for authentic living.

Question 4: What Do You Want?

Our desires and dreams shape our journey. Understanding what we truly want out of life helps us align our actions with our goals, creating a cohesive path forward.

Question 5: What Wants to Happen?

This metaphysical question encourages us to understand the broader direction of our lives. It’s about aligning our personal journey with the larger movements of the world or our community.

Question 6: What Don’t You Know?

Acknowledging our knowledge gaps and actively seeking to fill them is vital for growth. It’s about confronting the unknowns that hinder our progress.

Question 7: How Does This Feel?

Finally, assessing our emotional responses to our journey is essential. Mixed feelings are natural, and understanding them helps us navigate the complexities of our paths.

By reflecting on these questions, we can better understand our essential selves, leading to a more purposeful and fulfilling life. As Burroughs suggests, even small steps towards self-awareness can make a significant difference in our overall well-being.

Books

June 17, 2024 0 comments

Goals

195 – Shortcuts in Achieving Goals

by Jill June 3, 2024

In our pursuit of goals, the question often arises: is it acceptable to use shortcuts? This topic is more nuanced than it appears, blending practical considerations with ethical ones. Let’s explore the implications of using shortcuts to achieve goals and how they impact our learning, integrity, and success.

Shortcuts are often perceived negatively, equated with cheating or avoiding hard work. However, not all shortcuts are created equal. Tools like AI, productivity apps, and medical interventions can provide a leg up without compromising our values. For instance, scheduling software helps organize tasks and bills, improving efficiency without undermining our skills. This raises an essential question: when do shortcuts hinder personal growth, and when do they facilitate it?

Consider health and weight loss. Tools like Ozempic or gastric bypass surgery offer quick results but can bypass the critical learning process associated with lifestyle changes. This perspective is echoed by many who argue that reliance on such tools may lead to regaining weight once the shortcut is removed. The key issue here is whether these shortcuts help achieve long-term, sustainable health improvements or merely provide a temporary fix.

Similarly, in education and work, tools like AI can aid learning and productivity. For example, using Grammarly to improve writing can be educational, offering insights into common mistakes. However, outsourcing tasks like writing a book or completing assignments can lead to dependency and a lack of skill development. Using apps like Merlin to learn bird calls can be instrumental in finding and learning more about birds. People who already know the birds can scorn the app, but instead, they should look at it as an educational tool if people use it correctly.

For instance, I experience with weight loss—both through structured programs and gradual, self-directed efforts—demonstrates the importance of balancing immediate results with long-term habits. The same principle applies to financial management, where learning through experience often proves more valuable than quick fixes like debt bailouts.

Yet, shortcuts are not inherently negative. They can be beneficial when they provide necessary support without completely replacing personal effort. AI tools for content creation, for instance, can enhance productivity while still requiring user input and creativity. Similarly, health apps and wearable technology can promote fitness by offering motivation and tracking progress.

Ultimately, the decision to use shortcuts should be guided by their impact on learning and personal development. If a shortcut merely offers a temporary solution without fostering growth or understanding, it may be counterproductive. However, if it serves as a stepping stone towards greater efficiency and knowledge, it can be a valuable tool.

In conclusion, shortcuts can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on their application and the individual’s approach. Balancing the use of shortcuts with a commitment to personal growth and ethical considerations ensures that they serve as aids rather than crutches in achieving our goals.

June 3, 2024 0 comments

2024 Goals

194 – Overcoming Tedious Tasks

by Jill May 27, 2024

Tackling boring tasks can be a significant challenge. Whether it’s cleaning, exercising, or any other mundane chore, finding the motivation can be tough. However, Peter Hollens, in his book Self-Disciplined: for Tedious, Boring, and Difficult Things, offers practical strategies to make these tasks more manageable and even enjoyable.

One effective method is the 52/17 technique. This involves working for 52 minutes and then taking a 17-minute break. This approach, derived from the Pomodoro Technique, helps break up the monotony and keeps you refreshed. Setting a timer for short intervals makes daunting tasks seem less overwhelming, encouraging productivity.

Another strategy is parking downhill. Start your day with simple tasks to build momentum. For example, reading emails or running basic reports can ease you into more demanding tasks. This approach not only kick-starts your productivity but also ensures that you start with a sense of accomplishment.

Hollens also introduces the four quarters method. Break your day into four segments: early morning, late morning, afternoon, and evening. This division helps you tackle tasks in smaller chunks, making the day feel less overwhelming. You can assign different types of activities to each quarter, aligning them with your natural energy levels.

For a broader perspective, consider the 12-week plan. Instead of annual resolutions, focus on shorter 12-week goals. This approach creates a sense of urgency and allows for more frequent assessments and adjustments. Setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—within these 12 weeks ensures clarity and focus.

Additionally, the pickle jar theory emphasizes prioritization. Start with the most critical tasks (big rocks) and then fill in with smaller tasks (pebbles and sand). This ensures that you allocate your best energy to the most important tasks and fit smaller tasks around them.

Creating daily themes can also enhance efficiency. Dedicate specific days to particular types of tasks. For instance, use Mondays for administrative work and Fridays for creative tasks. This consistency helps build a rhythm, making it easier to dive into tasks without overthinking.

Understanding your energy patterns is crucial. If you’re a morning person, schedule demanding tasks early. If you’re more alert in the evening, save brain-intensive work for later. Aligning tasks with your natural energy levels can significantly boost productivity.

Lastly, consider automation and templates. Automate repetitive tasks where possible and use templates to streamline your workflow. This reduces the mental load and frees up time for more important activities. In conclusion, managing boring tasks is about finding the right strategies that work for you. By breaking tasks into smaller chunks, prioritizing effectively, and understanding your energy

May 27, 2024 0 comments

2024 Goals

175 – Igniting Change in Your Life

by Jill January 15, 2024

I delve into the concept of achieving our goals and creating our best life, drawing inspiration from the book “A Whole New You, Six Steps to Ignite Change for Your Best Life” by Bret Blumenthal. I discuss the importance of creating a mission statement, to guide our life’s goals. These mission statements can be about work, health, or other aspects of life and should reflect the qualities and characteristics we want to live by and the legacy we want to leave in the world. I then discuss the concept of a vision statement, a visual representation of our goals, like a vision board.

The next step in the process is to identify what we want to achieve and map the gap between where we are and where we want to be. This involves assessing our emotional and physical state and imagining what our ideal self would look like and feel like and how it would impact those around us and our activities. Having a flexible mindset during this stage is essential, as it allows us to adapt and find ways to make our goals happen. We should focus on our strengths and accomplishments and bury our past failures, only taking away the lessons we learned from them.

Throughout this process, it’s important to visualize our goals and recognize that we are the ones in control of our lives. We should create a vision statement or vision board representing our end goal, which could be something as simple as a collage of pictures from the internet. Sharing our goals with others can also be beneficial as they can provide support and encouragement. It’s also crucial to break down our goals into small, achievable tasks and to set specific start dates for each task. This way, we can keep track of our progress and stay accountable.

Finally, it’s crucial to acknowledge and reward ourselves when we progress towards our goals and to hold ourselves accountable. Accountability can be built through various means, such as having a workout partner, hiring a life coach, or even using a habit tracker like Streaks. Understanding how accountability works best for us can greatly increase our chances of achieving our goals. The challenge for you, the listener, is to come up with one small goal, write out a mission statement for it, and create a vision board or vision statement.

January 15, 2024 0 comments

2023 Goals

168 – Embracing the Power of Decision-Making

by Jill November 27, 2023

Today, talk about something crucial to achieving success in life: making decisions. Even deciding not to make a decision is still a decision, and it can lead to missed opportunities and a feeling of stagnation. That’s why it’s better to make wrong decisions and learn from them than remain indecisive and not move forward. Indecision can prevent personal growth, limit advancement, and hinder the pursuit of happiness.

I know that decision-making can be tough. It can be difficult to choose between options and fear making the wrong choice. But I’ve learned that taking action is the key to overcoming indecision. By setting goals, breaking them down into smaller steps, and seeking advice and research, we can make informed decisions that align with our aspirations. And it’s important to be kind to ourselves throughout the process and manage stress and anxiety.

Making decisions not only shapes our lives but also influences how others perceive us. Being decisive portrays confidence, self-trust, and a sense of direction. And the best part? Decision-making is an ongoing journey. We may face setbacks and rejections, but it’s crucial to remain committed to our goals and learn from our experiences. By taking action, we become more confident, productive, and capable of building fulfilling relationships. Remember, having a decision firmly in our grasp starts with taking small steps.

November 27, 2023 0 comments