The Strategist

Four steps to become successful



07/06/2018 - 04:16



Doctor of Psychology Sean Young offers a harmonious theory of how to achieve success in any endeavor. The author's advice, based on a variety of research, is universal and can be applied in all spheres of life.



So, what exactly needs to be done to stay motivated and achieve each of the set goals, be it diet compliance, getting rid of bad habits or increasing productivity at work? Here are some ideas.

Concentrate on small steps

People like to read books and listen to lectures that promise to help lose 45 kg or earn a million dollars. Their advice looks amazing and indeed motivates us. However, if you focus solely on a great distant dream, the effect may turn out to be the opposite.

We are disappointed when there’s no quick result. That is why we often stop in the middle. In order not to lose motivation, it is necessary to focus on short-term goals and small steps. Do you dream of a nice body shape, success or popularity? Put all the energy into workouts, attracting five new customers or writing one page of the book in the evening.

Concentrate on every tiny step ahead and do not forget to praise yourself for small achievements. This will lead to the release of a powerful chemical substance, dopamine. In turn, it will cause pleasant sensations and a desire to repeat the action.

Surround yourself with the right people

Communities encourage us to do as useful things, for example, work out regularly or quit smoking. Think about whether your environment helps you achieve your goals or, conversely, pulls you back. Try not to keep in touch with people who prevent you from following the plan, and spend more time with those who motivate and inspire.

It does not matter if your relatives, colleagues and friends don’t share your goals. Fortunately, we are never alone. If you want to change something, but failures and difficulties knock you out, you can always find a community with similar interests.

For example, you can join an online community of psychological support or a fitness association, start visiting a yoga group or collective training courses. It is important not only to find like-minded people, but also to actively maintain contact with them.

Convert desired behavior into routine

If you do something useful regularly, for example, eat healthy food, observe safety precautions, or work out, you brain makes it a habit.

By regularly doing some kind of action in one place and at the same time, you turn your behavior into an automatic one. You will need to concentrate and put some effort first, but then following the established order will become much easier.

The brain is constantly looking for ways to simplify tasks, and so it turns repetitive behavior into habits that should be followed without hesitation.

Plan a time when you can do the desired action, for example every day at 8 pm or every Saturday and Sunday after a morning cup of coffee. The longer you stick to the regime, the deeper the desired behavior roots in the brain.

Take action!

Almost any book on self-development and business psychology states: you need to change the way you think if you want to overcome fears, learn to sell better or become happier.

This is a very common misconception, because it almost never works. In fact, all positive changes start with an action, not with a thought.

Want to relax and overcome shyness? Sign up for lessons in improvisation.

Do you dream of getting rid of procrastination? Start a blog about how harmful it is to postpone business for later. Play as an expert until you get used to it.

Do not know how to cheer yourself up? Just stop frowning and smile.

Trying to overcome fear? Dive into it! Start doing what scares you, and you will feel like a different person.

Do you feel that you lack responsiveness? Do volunteer work.

Such tricks help us change our consciousness. The brain reconfigures your behavior, and you acquire a new skill.

Based on “Stick with It: A Scientifically Proven Process for Changing Your Life-for Good” by Sean D. Young




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