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.

Related posts:

  1. Keep SMART Goals In Front Of You – Overnight Success
  2. Wiring Up Business- Two Channel Social
  3. How to Make Goals Happen- Part 1 – GoalBox
  4. Questions- Or How to Stay on Target
  5. Travel for Success – Overnight Success

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  • http://www.wildwomannetwork.com SandraLeeSchubert

    I have been lucky enough to read an advance copy of Daniel Pink's new book, Drive:The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. He discusses 3 elements for motivation; Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose. When I read this post from Chris I knew immediately what my three words would be. 2009 was not quite the year I wanted it to be. I learned about my weaknesses and my strengths. I have had to eat some humble pie and ask for real help. When I was in physical therapy for an injured knee I had to ask how to get up off the floor because I couldn't do it the old way. There is no harm in asking if it gets you up and moving. Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose my guiding words for 2010. Thanks to Daniel and to Chris for putting it together..

  • computertips

    It good information, great analysis.Thanks
    Nero
    http://computer-edu.blogspot.com/

  • daveburris

    Awesome stuff. The best things in life are always the simplest.

    Focus. Learn. Stretch.

  • http://twitter.com/judymartin8 Judy Martin

    Chris, I've been following the journey here on the three words. It's quite the contemplative exercise and not that easy to do. Question, how do you personally define success? Happy Holidays and gratitude for all the wisdom over the last year.

  • bridgetpilloud

    I like this approach a lot because you can change the variables without giving up the goal.

    I'm using the term “exploration” instead of “resolution” this year, myself.

  • timstansky

    Right on with this. Goes with my mantra: plan your work, work your plan.

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  • Ivan_Hernandez

    Great advice Chris! So simple but so powerful. I love it. I will definitely share it with my students (I teach a course on Career Planning at Kozminski University in Poland)

    Here you have my three words:

    1: Hustle (thanks to Gary Vaynerchuk, it's the word I have in my mind all the time :)
    2: Focus
    3: Build

    Thanks for everything Chris! all the best wishes for 2010!

  • http://www.siddhimanagement.com/ Pankaj

    Great framwork,Chris. Love to hear from you!

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  • http://twitter.com/marketingtimes Scott Carson

    Chris, I really appreciate this post. Just joining the blogging space in 2009 I look for all the direction I can find. As I finish reading Trust Agents, setting my goals into three quick and easy words works for me. I'm working hard to focus my number one distraction-Twitter- You and Julien helped me with the goals as far as the twittersphere, but I just find so many interesting discussions and great info searching it's a challenge. Getting a iTouch helped as I can searchtwit during breaks at work, then when I get home, I can be more productive. Thanks again.

  • Elizabeth

    I was following you on twitter but you are so damn good at what you do, you tweet too much! My timeline was often flooded but hey… I now subscribe to your RSS feed instead so keep doing what your doing…

    You're doing it right.

  • SaraKate

    Chris,

    This is a fantastic idea and I love the way you have explained to make it accessible. This is a resolution/plan I can stick to and, even if I can't… I don't have to “start over”, I just have to adjust and keep on moving. I loved Clay Hebert's response and example with the plane – that's exactly as it should be.

    My three words for 2010: Learn, Create, Smart. Explanation forthcoming. – You got me thinking and now I'm going to blog about it. ;) Thanks, Chris.

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  • rebeccaross

    Here is my example for 2010:
    Guiding Word: Patience
    Paths: Notice irritation or frustration / wait before reacting / pay attention to tight jaw
    Distractions: slow traffic / communication breakdowns / things I cannot control
    Steps on the Path: meditate daily/ keep the big picture in mind / slow down when stressed
    New Reality: Calm, Tolerant Presence
    Springboard: Better teaching skills, ability to move through the unknown or stress with ease

    You may notice, my paths and steps can both be taken for a TO DO list. I see the paths as new behavior, and the steps as things I can do to support doing them.

  • rebeccaross

    Nice –
    I gave your blog a plug on mine and included your system for my organizing clients.
    Here is my example for 2010:
    Guiding Word: Patience
    Paths: Notice irritation or frustration / wait before reacting / pay attention to tight jaw
    Distractions: slow traffic / communication breakdowns / things I cannot control
    Steps on the Path: meditate daily/ keep the big picture in mind / slow down when stressed
    New Reality: Calm, Tolerant Presence
    Springboard: Better teaching skills, ability to move through the unknown or stress with ease

    You may notice, my paths and steps can both be taken for a TO DO list. I see the paths as new behavior, and the steps as things I can do to support doing them.

    Thanks!
    Rebecca

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  • Carlene Davidson

    That sounds like a great approach, that I will try. I like the fact that it allows you to, identify barriers, take action steps and re-evaluate often.

  • http://twitter.com/BrentKPohlman Brent Pohlman

    Chris

    Thanks again for this post. Great Exercise
    3-Words Company | 4-Words Personal |
    Referenced in Blog http://bit.ly/8f85TO |

    Company – Midwest Laboratories

    Innovative – Forward Looking
    Substantiate – Establish, Strengthen the Truth
    Reveal – Tear Down/Communicate

    Personal

    Energetic – Work to be strong and effective
    Passion – Strong emotion
    Succor – To give assistance
    Resolve – To deal with and come to a definite decision

  • http://www.corylevy.com cordor91

    Haven't read this book yet. Sounds interesting…I'll buy it on my kindle.

  • http://www.corylevy.com cordor91

    Curious to hear what you came up with! I have yet to decide what my three words are…

  • http://www.corylevy.com cordor91

    You are lucky to have learned about your weaknesses in strengths all in one year. As time goes by…make sure to reflect…and I know you will learn more and more..

    Re. Daniel Pink's new book – I am looking forward to reading it!

    Best,
    Cory

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  • http://khartline.com Karen Hartline

    Really like this exercise. I've been thinking about my #Themeword for 2010, thanks to @missrogue and @ericaogrady, and will commit to that later via blog post, but I think I'll also work on my 3 words tomorrow. What a great way to start the new year. Looking forward to hearing your 3 words as well.
    *Cheers.

  • jkhewett

    1. Systems
    2. Connect
    3. Deliver

  • http://twitter.com/loulala25 Louise Tipton

    Great post Chris. Just what I needed to read after a few weeks stuffing myself with food covered in gravy while visiting family in England and pondering how on earth I would get myself into fighting shape, on all fronts, for 2010! I always try and list out my goals, in a very linear and specific manner, which has its uses, but lacks the fluidity, flow and integration that I really need. So i plan on trying this out. I'm interested in seeing if the same three guiding words will apply to both my professional and personal lives. They should, in order to live a balanced life, but not sure if I'm quite there yet. Lots to think on – thanks!

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

    Thanks for inspiring me to do this “exercise” Chris. FYI, it's the most extensive amount of 12-monthly planning I've ever done! My 3 are:
    Ant | Hammer | Paper-cup
    The 3rd one might have you wondering. All briefly explained in blogpost http://bit.ly/7FCUYf

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  • elainepinkertoncoleman

    After years of writing and re-writing basically the same resolutions, the three-word method may well revolutionize my thinking. I'm still searching for the third word but once I find it, I'm ready to set the three words up and mobilize for 2010.

  • http://toddrjordan.com/thebroadbrush tojosan

    Good guidance Chris.
    Lots of folks have asked me about resolutions. I told them I was going with guiding principles this year. I'd forgotten about 3 words until you brought it up again.

    Bookmarking!

  • http://twitter.com/Lionel_Hanley Lionel Hanley

    I like the graphic. Its like charting a course, you often can't just draw a line straight to the goal of reaching a distant shore, you have to be aware of the risks (sandbars, bad weather,..) and know how to mitigate those risks.

  • markvickers

    Great concept Chris!

    I have long-term resistance to the 'goal-setting process' – it seems to me that as soon as you plant your goalposts in the ground, they grow legs and start running around the field like triffids on acid, and deprive your team of a large part of its creative momentum.

    My three words for twentyten, then, are, let me see now . . .

    * Focus
    * Follow-up
    * Intention

    Dammit – now I've got to write some goals :(

    [ BTW, call me obtuse, but where it says 'Optional: Login below' - I can't see anywhere to login . . . ]

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    I'm a little late finding this article, but I loved it.

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  • http://www.memorybits.co.uk/ flash drive

    I've always set goals because they avoided black and white: you either get them to you, and no I do not like those odds or are prepared. That's why I love the idea of three terms, because it is the way that some Guideposts To be productive you usually unfolds before you with keeping track of the following combines my philosophy.

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