December 26, 2009 127 Comments

Wiring Yourself for Success

paths

I’m getting ready to write up my 3 words for 2010. If you’re not familiar with the exercise, the object is to come up with three words that you use as compass points for your efforts over the year to come. They’re not resolutions. They’re ways of framing what you plan to do in the coming year. Here were mine for 2009 and 2008. (In my mind, I did okay with 2 of the 3 goals. I’ll make 2010 a redoubled effort on “armies.”)

In using this method, here’s how I set about wiring my goals to the way I accomplish what I do.

  • Determine 3 guiding words for my efforts in 2010.
  • List 1-3 paths to accomplishing those goals (aka strategies).
  • List distractions that might possibly scuttle my efforts.
  • List the steps for each path (these are the projects that map to the goals).
  • List what the “finish line” looks like.
  • List what comes next, should I actually accomplish something major along those paths.

How This Differs From Resolutions and To-Do Lists

The three guiding words are lighthouses or compass directions for my efforts. If I’m moving in those directions, I’m doing well. If I’m not on the path to those goals, then it’s clear that I’m working counter to my goals. See how that’s far more fluid than a static list of resolutions?

For instance, a resolution might be to “lose 30 pounds.” If I wrote a fitness goal, it would look like this:

  • Goal words: active
  • Path 1 to the goal: avoid elevators and drive-thru food.
  • Path 2 to the goal: prepare daily
  • Path 3 to the goal: make time for activities and make them FUN
  • Distractions: making excuses, forgetting to eat, lack of preparation
  • Steps to the path (here’s where I’d list out a few ways to start- don’t scare yourself)
  • The finish line: 3-5 activities a week, looser jeans, a need to go shopping
  • What’s next: step it up to the next level of activity. Try something challenging.

See the difference? I’m trying to set fluid guidance and not static points. In a way, the idea is to figure out orienteering versus memorizing a set map.

As you think about planning 2010, business-wise and personally, can you see how setting out three guiding words, and building paths that help you frame your goals, and then working from that mindset will help?

We’ll reveal our 3 words on 1.1.10. Get thinking. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

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  • http://www.reinventionqueen.com/ Maryellen Smith

    This is great advice Chris, to focus on over-arching goals and themes vs. static points. I especially like the part about acknowledging distractions up front. A lot of times we pretend that our distractions won't be an issue (the broken New Year's Resolution Syndrome) then act surprised when they surface. This sets us up for disappointment. Nice graphic too! Thanks for the post.

  • josef

    This is great. Thanks Chris.
    Its obvious that the reason most resolutions fail is because they are not plans they are just simply goals and wants. What we need to make resolutions work are “performance goals” I need to do Y more to get to X. I like the idea of listing things to avoid and things that can stop you from getting to that goal..The three words idea is very interesting and I will spend the next two days devising them. Thanks again!

  • kittenkirk

    Action, attraction, meditation

  • http://twitter.com/Omaniblog Paul O'Mahony (Cork)

    Lovely. Nice and fluid while remaining focused. The great thing about this method is that you can sustain it throughout the year: there are no killer pinch points that mean failure if you don't rise to the challenge that particular day or period.

    This method seems to be all about vision and direction. Also finding yet another route towards your goal, rather than getting stuck on one or two pathways…

    Another Brogan wisdom…

  • http://twitter.com/clayhebert Clay Hebert

    I love this framework – simple yet way more powerful and measurable than individual lofty resolutions. If a plane flying from Miami to New York was 10 feet off course after the first 30 miles, they readjust and keep flying. They don't go back to Miami to start over. This guiding words framework allows us to do the same. Thanks, Chris.

  • derekmarkham

    What a great system! Now you've got me thinking, and as I usually stick to resolutions, I look forward to seeing where this will lead me. Cheers, and happy holidays to you and yours.

  • derekmarkham

    What a great system! Now you've got me thinking, and as I usually stick to resolutions, I look forward to seeing where this will lead me. Cheers, and happy holidays to you and yours.

  • http://twitter.com/snbaird Susan Nellson Baird

    I've always avoided setting goals because they tend to be framed in black and white: you either achieve them or you don't, and I don't like those odds. That's why I love this idea of three words, because it combines my philosophy of following the path that unfolds in front of you with having some guideposts to keep you on the generally productive path. Thanks, Chris! I can't wait to share this with my friends!

  • shannonlane

    Chris, I have to thank you for this post, which brought me back to my own comment in 2009's post. Wow. I haven't even thought about revisiting the goals I set last year and now that I am reminded, it has made me super-thankful of all the things I WAS able to accomplish last year. Now, as I work on my own three words for 2010, the goals won't seem as daunting.

    My 2009 words:
    Write – I finished a travel guide that is being released March 2.
    Teach – Leading BlogWorld's travel track allowed me to bring together like minds who shared their knowledge with those seeking a deeper look into travel writing/blogging. I also participated in TribeCon 2009 and met the wonderful Julian.
    Travel – I did take some meaningful trips, but never did get to take that walkabout. I met some amazing people along the way, which is more meaningful to me.

    I may have met the intention of these words, but realized I missed a crucial step: What's Next. Now I must go ponder what to reach for next – 2010.

  • juliensmith

    Mindmaps rule. I'm using them for everything now.

  • http://www.olindaservices.com Lisa Olinda

    I always prefer goals to resolutions. Resolution changes with mood or circumstance. We can refine goals and tweak them for the best end result.

  • http://www.charleslau.com Charles Lau

    It took me a while to understand what you really mean.

    My three words I am working towards:
    1) Fit
    2) Equip
    3) Career

  • http://www.targetstarsblog.com latoshajohnson

    I normally come with a “motto” each year that sums up everything I want to accomplish-mainly because I hate resolutions. I really like the three guiding words idea because it truly causes you to reflect on the various methods you need to take in order to make sure you achieve your goal. Often times we have a tendency to desire favorable results and fail to prepare ourselves to do what it takes to get the results we seek. I look forward to creating my motto in conjunction with the three guiding words method ( doesn't hurt to have more than one way to hold yourself accountable-lol). Thanks for sharing this information!

  • http://www.360degreeself.com/ Tim

    Chris:

    This is a great idea, complete with a pretty cool mind-map for additional visual guidance! In a recent post, I selected one word for next year, but now I may need to re-think. Chris, thank you for a great post and for challenging us!

  • http://ItsDifferent4girls.com/blog Linda Sherman

    Excellent post Chris. I use Mind Manager maps daily so I love that kind of chart.

    Paul – you took the words out of my mouth. It's what I was thinking of writing and you already said it better.

  • http://mydarabell.com/ darabell

    Good advice Chris, this failsafe distraction proof method with aviod overdoing feature is great, the diagram model adds salt en pepper to it. I think hothousing is key (protecting yourself from detractors or distractors) is key certainly for me. I am very process driven so great model.
    Thanks
    Daragh

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I love the revisiting of your last effort. Pretty cool, eh? : )

  • harlemwriter

    Thanks for the accessible, easy to understand post. I think most difficult will be creating a list of action verbs to achieve over the course of one year.

  • http://www.kherize5.com Suzanne Vara

    Chris

    Great way to get people thinking on focusing on clear objectives rather than having goals that go on and on. While this is not easy to do, the simplicity of it is what makes this very effective. This exercise I see being more about focusing on 3 words that are the foundation of what & how you will do in the coming year.

    Resolutions are broken, goals are forgotten or disregarded but a path gets followed and diversions are a big deal. A lot of thought goes into considering changing your path.

    I have my path lined out but have it in 3 sets of 3 words. Now I have to think on simplifying it further. Thanks for the homework my friend.

  • http://www.thinklikeablackbelt.com/ Lori Hoeck

    “List distractions that might possibly scuttle my efforts.”
    That's what I've been missing! Thanks.

  • http://www.facebook.com/steverubel Steve Rubel

    This is why I read Chris Brogan and also Louis Gray (see here – http://blog.louisgray.com/2009/12/how-i-aimed-t…). Great stuff and I look forward to seeing what you come up with. – Steve

  • deborton

    Plan to give this a try, as I have big expectations for 2010. Interesting to consider and map out the possible distractions, not something that I've done before. First intention for 2010 is balance; second intention: focus third…needs more thought.
    Thanks, Chris and nice to meet you last week.

  • http://twitter.com/LockSchuppen RalfLippold

    Excellent – will use it for LockSchuppen for the time to come.

  • remarkablogger

    Three words? God, that sounds so… so… DO-able.

    Here are mine:

    1. Collaborate
    2. Productize
    3. Hire

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  • http://felipecerda.com felipecerda

    Good advice. This is really similar to what Leo Babauta says in his book “The Power of Less”. Have you read it Chris?

  • http://www.theNoBSinternetguy.com Stew Shaw

    Great method Chris, and a welcome relief from the resolutions crowd. The main function seems to be creating themed mental reminders to direct our efforts over the coming year. I love that it allows for (rapid) response to changing or unfamiliar conditions – textbook orienteering as you reminded us. I'll post mine on 1.1.10 too.

  • venkat

    Greatest good accomplishments that could be fostered and nurtured ….

    Focus : with the mind on anything you like
    Facilitate : with motivational force of thinking, sharing ideas, assimilitating knowledge through research and innovation
    Collaborate : with your skills with others.

  • http://themickmorris.com/ Mick Morris

    Chris, I love this concept….. far better than many traditional methods of planning for the new year, and easier to adapt throughout the year and keep a focal point….. thanks for the tip..

  • http://www.timwoods.org timwoods

    Thanks for sharing your approach. I like the way you don't lock yourself in to a specific strategy.

    Inspired by your approach, I've written down my own method, that I've been using for about 10 years. I'd love feedback, if anyone has a minute. http://www.timwoods.org/2009/12/26/writing-reso…

  • http://twitter.com/lyceum Martin Lindeskog

    @ChrisBrogan: Great food for thought. I will spend time this weekend and think about my “3 guiding words for my efforts in 2010.”

  • http://www.onlineinvestingai.com/blog/ George

    Great idea. I think it is important to keep our goals clear but our paths flexible. There are many ways to realize our goals, but we don't know which ones will work until we start down the path.

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  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I love Leo's book. He's a smart guy. I'm not yet good at doing less, but I'm trying. I read that book about every four months to stay on that path.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    Well done, sir. I think your #2 is pretty close to my first word in 2010 (to be revealed on 1.1.10). I went a slightly different way, but you'll get it pretty quickly.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    The pleasure was mine. I look forward to seeing where you go with it.

  • http://superiorpromos.com/ Promotional Products

    Linda,

    I am trying to make a habit of mind mapping, someone just explained it all to me and it made work get finished a whole lot faster… I agree the little image here helps put this all into an ewasy to use formula… thanks for the great post

  • http://ItsDifferent4girls.com/blog Linda Sherman

    I use maps for note taking, for to do lists, for business plans for clients. It engages the right brain. Visionaries (most of my clients are) love them because they can the whole picture at once. Lists of words on the other hands (as are typical of power point bullet charts) are very left brain and hard to remember.

  • http://www.erikwennerstrom.com Erik Wennerstrom

    Thanks for giving the example of the fitness goal and the glimpse into how you would seek to accomplish it. I chose 3 words for myself last year after reading yours and I was only marginally successful as I never laid out the steps. They were written on a white board and I looked at them every day and they served as a gut check more than anything else. I don't have my 3 words for 2010 yet, I will be recycling at least one from 2009. I look forward to seeing what yours are.

  • http://HelpFromEugeneDokov.com/ Eugene Dokov

    If you do not put an accomplishing date your goal will be only a wish.

  • edhardy11
  • marryroy01

    What we need to make resolutions work are “performance goals” I need to do Y more to get to X. I like the idea of listing things to avoid and things that can stop you from getting to that goal.I want to know suggestion from others.

    vitamin k

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  • http://www.blueskyresumes.com/blog Louise Fletcher

    I really like this idea – especially the listing of possible distractions. It seems like by facing them head on, you have more of a chance of stopping yourself actually getting distracted later on.

    So when I'm thinking about scuppering my 'healthy' goal with that lovely piece of chocolate cake, I can actually visualize it getting in the way.

    I also like the freedom of this idea – it feels less restrictive and yet actually more powerful than specific goals.

    My business is undergoing a complete makeover in January and we're revamping our business model. I'll be excited to use this technique to keep us on track in the year ahead. Thanks!

  • http://www.ryanhanley.com/about Ryan Hanley

    Chris, I really like your 2009 goal of Needles. Moving Needles is a simple, yet effective way to drive yourself towards success. As always keep inspiring…
    Thank you,
    Ryan H., http://www.ryanhanley.com

  • nic_oliver

    1. Listen; this is important for me as I spend a lot of time teaching and it's often easier to talk than to ask questions and listen

    2. Write; I have so much to write and I just procrastinate over it. Not just blogs but free e-books and books for publication. I need to get on and do them, I need to …

    3. Focus; this is multi-faceted. I am carrying out a rebranding exercise at the moment to provide greater clarity and consitency. Another aspect is that I blog about too many things and dilute my focus. yet another is that doing a lot helps me to procrastinate (see 2 above). Focus will yield the opposite.

    Thanks for sharing this approach, Chris, simple but effective as as most things in life.

  • http://twitter.com/TheClassicCarol The Classic Carol

    Define. Direct. Reassess.

  • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

    I wove it into my business goals, and that really went far. I'm happy with it.

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