Big Goals Require Immersion

When I decide to achieve a big goal or earn a new expert power, I fully immerse myself into its attainment, eliminating all distractions and becoming laser focused on the end result. Learning how to completely submerge yourself into something, with firm guidelines and deadlines set in place, is an invaluable skill set to possess.

Once a goal has been set, how do I immerse myself in achieving it? The first thing I do is allocate the time that will be required—in advance. I then practice time blocking by assigning specific tasks that must be completed during each session. Since my success depends on my ability to protect this time, I have to be comfortable saying “NO” to myself and others—and often! During my “all-in” phase, I typically wake up a few hours earlier than normal—until the goal is achieved. Long before sunrise, I brush my teeth, make a pot of coffee, and get to work. This means my evenings are usually cut short—since I have to go to bed early. But I don’t mind because “what I want most is stronger than what I want now!” Having a few extra distraction-free hours each day excels my productivity to a whole new level—it’s truly a game changer. And, since most sane people are still sleeping, I’m not stealing from that part of my day where I need to be focused on producing cash flow—or spending time with my family. Also, I normally go to the gym six days per week, but when submerged, I reduce my workouts to three days per week—survival mode is efficient.

The second thing I do is eliminate all possible distractions, especially negative ones. When I need to hunker down, television time is the first item to get cut. I then let my friends know that I’m about to go off the grid and for how long, so they understand why I can’t come out and play—clear and open communication is the key. For entertainment, I switch to my “inspirational music playlist,” which is comprised exclusively of positive and encouraging songs that help keep me motivated. This is the only type of music I listen to when I’m in the arena with resistance staring me down. If it’s negative, it goes! I stay close to my encouragers and supporters and distance myself from the energy hogs.

The third and final thing I do is set a nonnegotiable deadline for crossing the finish line—with mini checkpoints along the way. Identifying a hard stop is crucial due to the high level of intensity, self-discipline, and personal sacrifice that’s required. I can endure a great deal of discomfort, deprivation, and delayed gratification—but only if there’s a clear end in sight. I can only run full speed for so long, and when I’m sprinting, I have to see the finish line.

When I aim to write a new book, I give myself 100 days to write it—from start to finish. This firm deadline has kept me from straying off task on countless occasions. Also, I always remember that my “full-throttle” commitments will tip the scales of my work-life balance—so I always get buy-in from my inner circle, especially from those who will be missing my companionship or picking up my slack. The effectiveness of “goal immersion” is tied to the fact that it’s temporary, so get in, grab the dream, and get out—no messing around! So, what’s that thing you really want: a bigger paycheck, a healthier body, to write a book? I’ve just shared my secret recipe for attainment with you—but action is the yeast that makes it rise. You will be surprised how much you can endure if you want something badly enough. Self-discipline and personal sacrifice are the currency that pays for your dreams—all you have to do is earn it. You are capable of far more than you know.

Power Quote

“Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become.”

—Heraclitus

Harris, Chris. "Experts Immerse.” “I Go Through." "I Go Thru: Breaking Through With Expert Power." 2020, pp. 175-177.

#Mindset #Success #Goals