1. Create A Clear Compelling Vision of The Result You Wish To Create

Most people's goals are based around processes - actions, not results.

eg Lose weight. Quit smoking.

Notice the focus is on the verb (process) not the thing (result): eg Lose. Quit.

Instead of motivating you, these goals become demands, not desires.

In other words imperatives that we impose on ourselves, and (often) rebel against.

Actions by themselves aren't very motivating. They imply work and that can put us off.

So instead of action-focused goals, put your focus on results you truly want to create.

"Lose weight" becomes, "A fit, well-toned body."

Quit smoking becomes "A non-smoker with healthy lungs."

It's fine to start with concepts but the power comes from focusing concepts into clear visions.

Get specific about what you want. Set up clear success criteria!

Note your vision does not have to be realistic. Realistic goals will bridge the gap between vision and reality. Vision works best when it describes what you truly want to create. Let your aspirations soar.

2. Assess Your Current Reality Accurately and Objectively

Grounding vision in reality is the next step.

Vision not rooted in reality is often just wishful thinking!

Motivation quickly fades.

To take effective action and consistently create results, you must know both your destination and your starting point.

3. Hold Vision and Reality Together to Set Up A Creative Tension

Simultaneously holding vision and reality in your mind sets up a gap out of which a useful creative tension emerges.

Creative tension generates energy to move from where you are to where you want to be -- even when motivation fades and you don't feel like it!

Imagine a rubber band stretched between Vision and Current Reality. The tension in the rubber band wants to resolve.

Creative tension also sets up a container for creating - an organizing framework in which to experiment, explore, learn from mistakes and gradually shape the results you want.

4. Take small steps. Create and adjust...

Many of us are closet perfectionists. We demand our first steps be perfect. So either we give up if we falter or the fear of failing prevents us from taking action.

Start with small, easy steps. See each step as an experiment that teaches you what to do next. If you don't like a result, adjust your action. If you make a wrong decision, make another. When
you're creating, failure is simply feedback.

If you're not sure where to start, work backward from vision to to first steps by asking, "Can I do this today?" If you can't do it, ask, "What must I do first? Repeat.

Identifying first steps overcomes fear and inertia. Taking several creates a feeling of competence that increases confidence, builds momentum and helps you stretch for larger steps.

5. Build Momentum

Remember Newton's Law?: A body in motion stays in motion unless acted on by an external force

Momentum generates follow-through energy. It keeps you going in the face of adversity. Indeed, adversity can be a creative moment.

When something does not go as you would like it to:

1. Notice what is happening and what you say about it, others and yourself.
2. Is what you're saying consistent with what you really want? Is it true? Is it accurate and objective? If it isn't, change how you describe it to make it so.
3. Ask yourself, "What do I want?" Envision a picture of your desired result, fully complete.
4. Choose your result. Say, "I choose..." and fill in the blank with the result.
5. Move on. Take whatever next step occurs to you.

It doesn't really matter what you do. Like rocking a car backward to generate momentum to push it out of ditch, use this technique to get unstuck and moving forward.

It shifts your focus from problem solving to creating. It flips your mood from negative to energetic.

Most important, it keeps you moving and generates energy for more energy for action.

6. Know When You Reach Your Goal(s)

Don't just say "I want to be fit & healthy" or "I want to be successful"

Without criteria for success, you are like a dog chasing its tail!

Setting success criteria lets you know when you've completed your result. This is why effective goals are specific.

7. Celebrate. Then Push Forwards and Onwards.

Finally, the energy of completing anything can be applied to new results. Hence, it's important to finish fully and to celebrate your result. Then simply start on your next result .. !