What does it take to change behavior? In his new best seller, Triggers, Marshall Goldsmith’s central theme highlights the importance of being proactive – in other words – just try, every day. He shows the power of incorporating active questions into your daily routine. These are a few simple questions such as “Did I do my best to set clear goals today?” Notice that the question is meant to measure effort rather than result. Goldsmith shows how answering the question by rating the effort on a scale of 1 to 10 rather than merely answering with a yes or no is more impactful and self-reflective. The amount of effort expended has a direct relationship to results over time.
Goldsmith sets this central theme of Just Try into a supporting structure and gives real life examples of application and success. Important elements of the supporting structure that are discussed include:
- AIWATT – An acronym for Am I Willing At This Time to make the investment required to make a positive difference on this topic. In other words, are you ready to fully commit to this change?
- Why – Will this change help to find meaning and purpose, build positive relationships, improve feelings of well-being and happiness?
- Triggers – Identify internal beliefs that stop behavioral change and recognize environmental triggers that can both stimulate or impede change.
- Structure and Accountability – Commit to a daily routine and enlist and accountability partner.
There is a wide chasm between planning and doing or inspiration and action. Goldsmith’s book is a tool to help bridge the gap. Add commitment and an accountability partner. You will find that dedicated effort leads to results.
No comments yet.