Planning for a project, to break a habit, or to get better at what you do? The framework to use incorporates the tried and tested trio of words – NOW, WHERE and HOW.
Let’s assume that you have decided to break a habit. The unusual one of chocolate consumption. What bought you to the point whereby you finally decided that enough was enough, and it’s finally time?
Your summation will include a description all the thoughts, feelings and experiences which culminated to represent your current reality – this is the NOW. It is an honest appraisal of the status quo which needs to change.
Having articulated your NOW, look ahead and project WHERE you would like to be regarding overcoming the over-consumption habit. This component is transportive as it includes possibility thinking, although it should go beyond ‘what if’ scenarios by imagining a picture so compelling that it virtually becomes tangible.
Don’t hold back in accumulating a myriad of colours as you ‘paint your picture’.
What will it ‘look’ like when you achieve the goal? Go big here with your imagination – you need to buy-into it wholeheartedly because the habit must be broken, turning back is not an option. How will you feel and what difference will it make to your life knowing that you have eaten that ugly green frog?
Finally, from WHERE you are standing, look back to your NOW, as having clarified both these aspects you will be sufficiently informed and able to formulate your plan by strategizing the HOW. Plan to win and then execute your plan vigorously and with purpose.
Remember to include the vital practice of incorporating standards and measurements and to be brutal with the truth.
Ready to put yourself to the test? Pick a habit you’d like to change and then tell those closest to you to establish accountability … does it still sound like a good idea?
I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.
