Dr. Rob’s Monday Tip: Willpower and Goal Setting

Usually, when we think of willpower, we think about resisting short term pleasure for long term gain. However, I believe sustained willpower is what is required to achieve long-term goals. My friend and coaching client Kathleen Craig’s story illustrates this principle. When she graduated from high school 14 years ago, Kathleen started college with the goal of achieving a bachelor’s degree. However, as often is the case, life showed up. Within a few years, Kathleen got married, started her family, and began a career working full time. Although these events presented obstacles, Kathleen never lost sight of her goal to graduate. This fall she received her degree from EMU. Not only did she reach that goal, but she also created a new goal and launched a business called HTMobile. The company has created its first app, BankerJr, which helps teach financial literacy to children. Since they have already sold their product to several banks, she was recently able to give up her day job to work full-time on the company.

I recently asked Kathleen how she found the willpower to keep going in the face of so many challenges.

Here are a few of her keys to success:

1. She kept motivated by remembering that she wanted the goal, not only for herself but also for her children (Find a strong motivator)
2. She never allowed herself to imagine that she would not achieve the goal (“NO” is not an option)
3. She used her willpower to stick to a strict schedule for studying, Sunday and Monday evenings and after the kids went to bed at 8:00pm (Be disciplined in scheduling specific times to work on your goal)
4. She would only allow herself to watch TV if she studied during the commercials. Inevitably, she would get going and realize she needed to turn the TV off in order to properly focus. At least this would get her going when all she really wanted to do was have leisure time. (Sometimes you need to trick yourself into getting started)
5. She relied on the support of a community which included her parents, five brothers and sisters, and her husband. It didn’t hurt that she was motivated to be the first of her siblings to graduate from college. (It takes a community, and sibling rivalry, to achieve a long term goal)
6. She always acts now and not later, getting things done as soon as possible rather than waiting until they have to be done. (Have a “Now List” rather than a “To Do List”) 
7. Wherever she worked, whether it was Zingerman’s or United Bank, she availed herself of their bountiful resources through training, mentoring, and coaching. (Use the resources available and don’t be afraid to ask for help)
8. The path was not continuous, but she always kept her eye on the goal (Hit “pause” but never “stop”)

If you are not already signed up, please request an invitation to join me at this Friday’s CEO/Leaders Connect to hear more stories and learn more about willpower and goal achievement. My goal is to launch two new sessions of the Goal Achievement Community in January 2014.