How Action Leads to Success

by Sarah on July 20, 2010

Since habit change is really action change, I think it’s helpful to come up with repeatable actions that lead to achieving a goal. Sometimes I get overinvested in the idea of a goal and I end up sabotaging my success. By focusing on repeating an action instead of achieving a goal there’s less pressure.

It can be challenging to figure out exactly what actions will lead to success. The best thing to do is to make a guess and try something. If it works, keep doing it until it becomes second nature. If it doesn’t work, you can always adjust your strategy. But you have to start somewhere.

For example, if you want to improve nutrition, try eating fruits and vegetables instead of processed carbs like bread and pasta. Find sugar free versions of your favorite desserts and sodas. If you want to get in shape, decide to take a walk every single day or join a sports league for a sport you enjoy.

The key is to be very specific about the action that you will take. If you decide to start walking or working out every day, figure out all the details in advance so all you have to do is take action when the time comes.

The beauty of this is that the focus is on one or two specific actions instead of one overarching goal where there are lots of moving parts. Any thoughts?

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Cool Links

by Sarah on July 15, 2010

Here are some things I’ve been reading and enjoying lately:

A Visual Guide to Sea Vegetables Here’s an interesting way to get more minerals in your diet. I’m always up for trying new varieties of foods. (@mark’s daily apple)

Second Act Problems Great motivation for continuing on when you feel like giving up on your goals/dreams. Pressfield makes the case that the hard stuff is what makes something worthwhile. (@steven pressfield)

The Elements of Change Leo delivers with this blueprint for change. Read it and go make something happen! (@zen habits)

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Double Under Madness

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Too many people focus on the negative aspects of achieving a goal. They are constantly thinking about what they are sacrificing to obtain a goal and reward progress on a goal by backtracking. They reward a week of healthy eating by indulging in unhealthy foods. Or they blow money on something frivolous after a month [...]

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Healthy Eating in College

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One of the biggest challenges of living in a dorm room is eating healthy. When I lived in a dorm, space was limited and I only had a microwave to cook with. I felt limited by the options I had for food, but over time I found some healthy and tasty things I could eat [...]

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