Try ALL the new things you want with this 4-Step Strategy

There are endless things to try in this world. However, we always complain or regret not doing something we’ve always wanted to do. Whenever we have presented the option, we are too afraid or uncertain to make a move.

Why is that?

The truth is, it’s actually an extremely normal experience and outcome for us humans. We are creatures filled with emotions. Most of the time, they interfere with what we think and do. We have driving emotions which propel us to dream big, yet also negative emotions that put us on halt.

We want to breach our comfort zone but we always worry about what we’ll encounter or lose throughout the process

We may not always really want to do something, so depending on the temporary passion to act will bring us to nowhere. Hence, instead of relying on our emotions to explore the unknown, we should opt for a more rational approach.

Hereby is an 4-step strategy to assist you in fulfilling what you’ve always wanted…

1. Figure out how bad you want this.

Even if it’s superficial, be clear about why you want this.

Unconventional example: I want to make money. Not because I want to spend it, but only because I want to feel high when I see my bank balance.

No matter the reason, be completely honest with yourself. Only a genuine feeling can intrinsically motivate you. Try to recite that feeling when you can visualise yourself succeeding at that point. Remember that. Remember the feelings involved. Are you proud? Are you hyped? Are you just joyous or excited?

It’s best if you write everything down in paper. Keep this paper to yourself.

Every now and then, whenever you’re feeling down. Check this up. Revisit the joy and enthusiasm.

2. Make a plan with a few key actions.

Write down the bare minimum things to keep yourself in check.

Nothing fancy, just a few key milestones to whatever you’re trying to achieve.

Strategies:

• Try to apply a benefit-consequence mechanism

• Make the action a ritual

Goal: I want to read 5 books this month.

1: Calculate the time needed for each book

2: Spread the time over the vacancies of the day

3: Make a calendar for checking off

4: Benefit — Netflix episode; Consequence: Clean the room

3. Start. And don’t care whatsoever.

The sequence goes as follows…

1. Revisit the motivation (feel high and energised)

2. Do the ritual right away

Very simple, right?

For most of the times, people don’t do what they want themselves to do because:

1. They are making excuse BECAUSE they are demotivated / lazy

2. They are too exhausted to think about what to do when to do, and how

However, if you have taken care of all that, for every time that you want to get some work done, you can just hop right into this.

The trick lies in making use of the instant fuel of dopamine. (Like how an in-game character uses his superpower for a limited time.) Careful! It depletes quickly!

4. Consistency

Without consistency, no matter how well you start, there will be no good results.

With consistency, even if you have a bad start, you can keep on improving.

As long as you focus on the process instead of always the result… In no time, you will realise how far you have gone.

“Habits are powerful and trying new things brings the possibility of immediate costs if we don’t like the result. We risk not liking the new thing, we risk failure, we fear feeling incompetent or silly or we fear the judgement of others if we aren’t immediately good at something.” — Karen Anne Hope Andrews, clinical psychologist