Tackle Three Personal Peaks in 2010
We’ve crossed the proverbial line between 2009 and 2010 and it’s usually a time when many people come up with ‘New Year’s Resolutions.’ Whether it is to quit smoking, loose weight, take up exercise, work on a relationship or whatever, the dawn of a new year has a kind of “new beginnings” effect on most of us. Usually the intention is to correct something amiss in one’s life… A desire for more balance, to be healthier, to be wealthier, to look good, feel good… just be plain happy.
In essence I regard a New Year’s resolutions as nothing more that a statement of intent, whether written or verbalized. Unfortunately it remains just that – a statement of intent – without the act of making it happen. Think for a moment how many things in your life remained an idea, though or “resolution,” and till this day have not realized. Why? Forget the excuses and be blatantly honest with yourself. In all probability it was because you did not put the idea, though or resolution into action.
May I suggest a bit of a different approach to your “New Year’s Resolutions?” As a matter of fact, don’t call them New Year’s Resolutions at all but rather “My 2010 Mountain Peaks” Let me explain: Metaphorically speaking, any change, i.e. moving from a present state to a desired future state, is akin to ascending a mountain; starting at the base (where you are now) of the mountain and journeying to the summit (where you want to be). Why three? Well, it’s much easier to attempt a smaller number of goals than something like ten from the word go, hence my arbitrary number of three.
Now, with that in mind, what are the three things in your life you would change right now if you could wave a magic wand and, presto!, it is as you’ve always wanted it to be? Think about it for a while… Obviously, in the real world magic wands don’t work. A more practical approach is required. Here’s what you could do:
- Write down the 3 top things you want to change – call them the 3 “mountain summits” you want to reach.
- On 3 separate blank sheets of paper draw a triangle on each, representing the 3 mountains you intend conquering.
- At top of each page write the “name of the mountain” e.g. “Getting into shape.”
- Reflect a while on each and the desired future state of each – ‘what’ and ‘where’ you want to be – in terms of the 3 things and write a short description of each at the respective “summits.”
- Next, ponder on the present state – ‘what’ and ‘where’ you are now in terms of the 3 things – and write a short description of each at the “base camp” of the respective “mountains.”
- Notice the gap between the desired future state (summit) and the present state (base camp). Here’s the thing: Forget about reaching the summit so long as you’re passive at base camp. You have to get going; moving forward; ascending upward towards the summit to have any hope of reaching the summit.
- Now, with a vivid picture of the desired future state (summit) and the present state (base camp), start with the end in mind and “plot the journey” piece-by-piece. Draw horizontal lines across each triangle (mountain) to represent specific goals (checkpoints) on your way to the top. Use dates and be very specific, e.g. Feb 1st: Run my first 5km road race; weigh 80kg’s; manage 3 sets of 3 pull-ups, 3 sets of 10 push-ups and 3 sets of 15 sit-ups; swim uninterrupted for 15 minutes.
- Reaching each checkpoint inevitably requires a series of activities. Below the checkpoint, write a bulleted list of actions/activities you need to accomplish in order to reach that checkpoint. In the example above it could include things such as, get up an hour earlier; jog 2km’s on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; do 2 sets of 2 pull-ups, 2 sets of 8 push-ups and 2 sets of 10 sit-ups on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Swim for 10 minutes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
- Review all your checkpoints and accompanying actions/activities. Ensure yourself that although you’ll have to significantly stretch yourself, they are attainable. They are very important because you’ll have to evaluate your progress when reaching them on your way to the summit.
- Stick up your 3 mountains to conquer where you’ll be able to see them daily – somewhere really “in your face.”
- Now get moving!
As easy as that? No way. Modifying those forces that’s keeping your behaviour stable will require relentless action. A part of your being will resist the change and attempt to retain the status quo – the “comfort zone.” You’ll have to push your boundaries and move out of your comfort zone into your “stretch zone” in order to make progress toward the “summit” of your mountain. It will require commitment, discipline, determination and a “never quit” attitude. Remember, all success lies well beyond the comfort zone.
All the best with your 2010 journey of adventure – of conquering personal mountains and achieving your goals. Commit to leaving base camp in the next day or two, or before you know it your resolutions for 2010 will be forgotten. If it is to be, is up to you…
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