How can we use an exercise in success and failure to help with decisions?
We talked about patterns in my post about How Do you Get Things Done and so it makes sense that I share with you a way to discover even more about how you made decisions in the past.
This will give you a good insight into how you might be making or not making decisions right now.
Before we get into that, I am going to mention journalling.
How Journalling Helps You Tap Into Your Inner Conversations
Journalling is a great way to notice more about what you do, how you make decisions and why you do things or don’t things.
There are many ways to journal.
You can have a dedicated journal that you use to take your notes, make your observations, or you can just have a piece of paper that your write on, or you can use an electronic journal system.
It really doesn’t matter most of the time what you use.
I personally love to write out by hand, when I am investigating my thought processes. I find that it’s much easier to discover that conversation going on in my head that way!
There’s something magical about writing out by hand. But I understand it is not for everyone.
For this upcoming exercise, you can do it however you like. Keeping your thoughts in one place, so that you can go back and review and maybe refine your understanding, can be super useful.
Whatever you choose though, do give yourself the space and head space to be able to journal and do this exercise without interruptions.
Go sit out in nature or in your garden or wherever you know you won’t be disturbed.
So with that in mind, grab your journal or a piece of paper and a pen or make a note in your phone and let’s get to this exercise to find out what makes the difference between success and failure for your decisions.
Exercise in Success and Failure
Step 1 – A Goal That You Have Accomplished
Think of a big goal you set yourse and that you did whatever it took and accomplished it.
Perhaps it was to get a new job, shed some weight, complete a marathon, save up to buy a car.
Looking back, it seemed effortless, you just got it done.
Now explore and discover what MADE you follow through after you set your goal.
Be sure to really explore deeply what it was that made this decision so strong that you followed through.
If you are struggling with this, start in your journal just writing about what was happening when you made the decision. Take yourself back to the scene and describe it as if you were telling a friend exactly what it was like.
Describe where you were, what you were wearing, who you were with and see where that takes you. Then think through the moment you made the decision.
Only when you have really explored this decision, are you ready to move on. You will know, because you will experience a real ah-ha moment. If you haven’t experienced that, don’t move to the next step.
Before you move on, you should be able to pinpoint the exact point you made the decision. You should know exactly what you were thinking, what the consequences would be if you didn’t follow through and you should know what was motivating you to follow through.
If you have all of that (and maybe even more) you are ready for step 2. Don’t worry if this takes you more than one sitting. Come back to it. This is an eye-opening exercise. If you are serious about knowing more about how you make decisions it is worth doing.
Step 2 – Something You Decided To Do But Didn’t Accomplish
Now, it’s time to think about something you “decided” to do, but didn’t end up accomplishing.
Usually, I find you will find this part much easier. Because you already know what success looks like 😉
So, why didn’t you follow through until it was done with this goal?
Did it seem hard?
Did you quit at the first obstacle? Or the second?
How hard did it have to get before you threw in the towel?
Did you believe you could do it? Or were you just giving it a shot?
Be sure to journal just as deeply this time and explore all the avenues and angles.
Once again, don’t move on until you really have had some ah-ha’s. If you have got to this point, push through and find out what makes you tick. This is life changing. Give yourself this gift.
Step 3 – Review The Differences & Similarities
Now it’s time to look at your two different scenarios. The one where you succeeded and the one where you failed.
What do you notice? What is the pattern for success?
What is the pattern for failure?
Can you see the real differences?
Make a note of this and over the next few days, notice where these patterns may be affecting how you are succeeding or failing on a daily basis, in smaller decisions.
Remember…
How you do anything is how you do everything!
Let’s wrap it up now.
It is one small thing. Small things add up. If you want any more small tips be sure to join me on Facebook.
Getting an understanding of the differences between your successes and failures can be very liberating.
Don’t forget to share in the comments your ah-ha moments and if you found this useful, be sure to share this with your friends, family and colleagues.
To your fulfilling future,
LIVE, LOVE & THRIVE