As I listened to the daily motivation on my headset I was amazed to hear the same conversation that I had heard earlier in the week about how we can stick to our goals.

The first conversation went like this, you have a measurable goal, with an end date. You know all the things you need to complete your goal. You have all the tools you need. So it is not a knowing problem. It is a doing problem. The key is to “REWARD” yourself when you hit your goal. Make it a big reward, something you have really wanted for a long time or a great vacation.

The second conversation was more like this, you have a measurable goal, with an end date. You know all the things you need to complete your goal. You have all the tools you need. So it is not a knowing problem. It is a doing problem. The key is to set “CONSEQUENCE” for if you don’t meet your goal. Make it something that you really dislike. An example is to write a post dated check made out to a charity that you strongly dis-like and give it to a friend with instructions. The instruction would be to drop this in the mail if I do not hit my goal.

Two different ways to get to one place. Surprising to me, the second method has far better results. It is an example of the stick and the carrot. People are far more likely to act against pain then to work for reward. Some people go to work so they don’t get fired. You drive the speed limit so you don’t get a ticket, or you pay your taxes so you don’t get fined or go to jail. We all do it.

You choose which method works best for you, it is about you moving forward and making progress today, it is the small choices.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today.