Why Your Goals Fail

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What if the key to unlocking your full potential lies not in your skills or knowledge, but in the depths of your emotions?

In this week's episode of the Health & Wealth Power Hour, I had the pleasure of chatting with the indomitable Terry L. Fossum~Keynote Speaker~ Corporate~Change~Culture Champion?? ! Terry revealed how embracing emotional motivation can transform even the most daunting goals into achievable realities. Get ready to be inspired by Terry’s journey from the poorest city in America to the pinnacle of survival triumphs, all through the profound wisdom of his "oxcart technique."

From Adversity to Achievement

Terry Fossum's story is one of remarkable resilience and determination. Growing up in McAllen, Texas, one of the poorest cities in the United States, Terry faced significant hardships. His father, a former sharecropper and the son of an alcoholic, struggled to provide for the family. Tragically, Terry’s father was killed, leaving behind a legacy of doubt cast by a neighbor who claimed that Terry and his brothers would never amount to anything.

Living in a rough neighborhood plagued by gang violence and drug deals, Terry’s childhood was anything but easy. He recounts a harrowing incident when, at 14 years old, he faced an armed man in his backyard. These early experiences of fear and adversity shaped Terry’s resolve to rise above his circumstances.

Despite the odds, Terry did not let his environment define him. Instead, he used his challenging upbringing as fuel to propel himself forward. Determined to prove the naysayers wrong, he embarked on a journey of self-improvement and relentless goal-setting.

Discovering the Oxcart Technique

Terry Fossum's "oxcart technique" is a game-changer for anyone struggling to achieve their goals. For more context, Terry shared a parable in his TED Talk called, "The Farmer and the Oxcart":

A farmer needed to transport his crops to market but struggled to get his ox to pull the cart. The village elder advised him to use a carrot as a reward, which worked until the ox was no longer hungry. Then, the elder suggested using a stick to tap the ox's tail, which the ox disliked. By using both the carrot and the stick, the farmer was able to consistently motivate the ox to pull the cart to market.

This parable illustrates the essence of the oxcart technique: using both positive (carrot) and negative (stick) motivations ensures consistent progress toward goals.

This method is simple yet profound, involving three key steps: writing down a failure scenario, a daily action plan, and a success scenario. By vividly connecting with the emotional stakes of both failure and success, this technique drives persistent action and keeps you focused on your objectives.

The Emotional Power of Goals

Terry highlights the importance of emotional motivation in achieving goals. He shared a pivotal moment in his life when he hit rock bottom and decided to use his anger and determination to propel himself forward. "Instead of the carrot, something to go toward, I had the stick, something to go away from, which created more pain than the pain of my comfort zone," he explained. This shift in mindset was crucial in pushing him out of his comfort zone and towards success.

Terry's anecdotes illustrate the extraordinary feats people can accomplish under extreme emotional pressure. Stories of a mother lifting a car to save her child or a father fighting off a bear to protect his son are examples of the incredible potential of harnessing emotional motivation.

Winning Against the Odds

Terry's oxcart technique is not just theoretical; it's practical and actionable.

He used it to prepare for and win the survival TV show "Kicking and Screaming," where he competed against highly trained special forces personnel. Despite the odds, Terry's ability to harness his emotions and stick to his plan led him to victory.

He emphasizes the simplicity of the technique: "Three pieces of paper. That's all it is." By writing down a detailed failure scenario, a daily action plan, and a vivid success scenario, anyone can create the emotional drive needed to achieve their goals.

Your Greatest Asset

Terry's message is clear: adversity can be your greatest asset if you know how to harness it. By using the oxcart technique, you can turn negative emotions into powerful motivators and transform your life.

For those interested in learning more, Terry offers resources and coaching through his websites, The Goal Secret and Terry L. Fossum . His book and TED Talk provide further insights into his techniques and how they can be applied to various aspects of life, from business to personal relationships.

As Terry aptly puts it, "You got this. Just get up one more time."

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