In the process of achieving big goals expect more than the expected result.
I’ve been trying to teach my 5 year old how to use her body to propel herself on the swing. The other day, I realized that she needed the goal to be hers and the reward needed to be compelling.
Me: “If you learn to pump yourself on the swing over the next 10 minutes I’ll give you 10 chocolate chips [her compelling 'why'].”
At that moment something shifted in her and it was visible. She began soliciting advice and implementing with the full anticipation of those chocolate chips. She was focused. And, in less than two minutes she had found her rhythm.
“Mama, I’m Freeeeeeeee!”
That was a big moment for us both. It was no longer about getting the immediate reward of the chocolate chips. She realized that she had created an experience that gave her success and freedom from being at the mercy of someone else in charge of her fun.
My virtual fitness clients experience that freedom using the same formula: Big Goal + Narrow Focus = Freedom.
I’d love to know your thoughts. What unexpected rewards have you gained as a result of achieving your big goals?