Value the 1%- Setting goals a little at a time.

Lately, I’ve been talking to my kids about smart goals. Specifically, we’ve been taking a little time in the car to discuss their upcoming games on the way to the soccer field. I’ve prompted them with “What is your goal for this game?” and “Tell me one positive action word or phrase you’re going to claim for this game.” 

On our way to our last game, I was having this conversation with my youngest. Here’s what followed…

• Q: What is your goal for this game?
• A: To stay in my position and talk to my teammates. Also, to shoot.
• Q: What word or positive phrase do you want to “claim” for this game?
• A: I got this!

The idea is that it defines clear-cut goals for what they are about to do on the field. And the positive phrase helps them when they get discouraged — for my youngest, the phrase “I got this!” 

And you know what? My child played the best I’ve seen her play by simply claiming goals and using positive phrases. Wow. (What can I say- proud momma)

My goal-setting theory…

“All Successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to be or do.” Norman Vincent Peale

Claim Your Goals (write them down and say them out loud)

The first thing we must do is set a goal and claim it. This is one of my favorite techniques that I use in all areas of life. So, what does that have to do with business? A lot. There is power in claiming goals, stating them out loud, or writing them down. In fact, some of the most successful people I know put goal setting at the top of their list. The simple steps of claiming a goal can spur action. Stating it out loud or writing it down is the best way to flip a switch in your brain. So much of what we do and how we act daily has to do with the 6 inches between our ears. (aka- our thoughts). 

Using two questions: 1) What is your goal? and 2) What positive phrase will you use? helps your mindset and steers you in the right direction. Thinking about what your goals are is essential. It can set you on the right track and create the mindset you need to hit goals of all types. Whether you’re looking to hit long-term goals, short-term goals, goals that are the first step to a new life, or a specific goal – you have to claim them. It’s part of an action plan to set you on the right path to success. 

“A goal that is not written is not a goal. It only becomes real when you write it down. Look at your list daily and read it out loud. Let your list of goals become a mantra and a meditation.” Bryan McGill

Making a new Habit

Another practice I’ve used with my kids is a concept I read a while back. Sadly, I can’t recall where exactly I read it, but the thought has stuck with me. It’s the idea of 1%. The concept is simple. 

So many times, we say we’d like to be 100% better at something, but that thought and the lofty goal is scary. However, what if I simply say I’d like to be 1% better today?… a MUCH more feasible goal… and a number/goal that isn’t nearly as intimidating. The idea? I’m going to be 1% better today than I was yesterday. If you can achieve 1% daily for 100 days, just think how much improvement you could make in a year. You’d quickly shoot past your goal. It’s taking smaller steps daily to achieve an even more significant gain in the long run. Here’s the good news– the small steps broken into smaller tasks you complete every day have an exponential effect in the long run. 

In the book “Atomic Habits” James Clear says, “Success is the product of daily habits, not once-in-a-lifetime transformations,” “You get what you repeat,” and “If you want to predict where you’ll end up in life, all you have to do is follow the curve of tiny gains or tiny losses and see how your daily choices will compound 10 or 20 years down the line.” I’m saying this about the concept of 1%. It’s a habit. A daily practice of tiny gains that help you hit those big goals. 

The next step is- Think about what I can control

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” — Jimmy Dean

Common sense tells us that I only control myself and my actions. So if I try to gain that 1%, I put in that tiny bit of extra effort on a daily basis- with enough time, it adds up. It’s much like compound interest or muscle memory. That 1% creates healthy habits or muscle memory. It can be a powerful tool that makes those lofty goals achievable. It is a daily routine that gives us a practical and manageable way to reach the goals we claim- a little bit at a time. The small things over time can equal major accomplishments and are essential to achieving your ultimate goal. 

The old joke goes… how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. 😀

Goals are the same. Small manageable bites are a good idea and can help you achieve your goals and in your goal-setting process.

Take the important steps one percent at a time. 

Game Plan: Write down your goals – claim them and commit to doing 1% better each day

Final thought: We are what we think.

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Tags: business, goals, improvement, mindset, tools