Have you ever set a goal, dream, or challenge for yourself and either didn’t start it or gave up somewhere along the way? If you said yes, you’re not alone. Many of us face this struggle, and it’s often due to a few key factors that can predict our success or failure. Let me walk you through these factors, using some insights and analogies that have profoundly impacted me.
Ignition: The Spark to Get Started
One of the most important elements of success is ignition, or that initial spark that gets you started. I learned about ignition through an analogy involving cooking. Initially taught to me by Bart and Michael Bellen using spaghetti and boiling water. In the video,I’ve adapted it to lobsters, given my location on Prince Edward Island.
Imagine you’re trying to boil lobsters. You can’t cook them with cold water; you need to heat the water until it boils. Similarly, you need ignition—a spark of motivation and energy—to start working toward your goals. The more motivation the better.
Resource Availability: Tools and Support
Another predictor of success is resource availability. This includes having the right tools, finances, coaching, and support to pursue your dreams.
- Tools: Whether it’s equipment for dog training or software for a business project, having the right tools is essential.
- Finances: Sometimes, financial resources are necessary to move forward.
- Support: Training, Coaching and mentorship can provide the guidance needed to stay on track. UPX community supports you. .
When resources are scarce, we tend to make excuses and either don’t start or give up.
Intrinsic Value: Internal Motivation
Intrinsic value refers to the internal satisfaction and fulfillment you get from pursuing a goal, beyond external rewards like money or recognition. It’s about asking yourself why your goal is important and what you’ll gain from it on a deeper, more personal level.
Delay Time: Patience and Persistence
Delay time is the period between starting a goal and seeing the rewards. Many people give up because the wait seems too long. This is where patience and persistence come into play.
Bandwidth Belief: Making Time for What Matters
Bandwidth belief is the misconception that you don’t have enough time to pursue your dreams.
“You have more time than you actually think. This bandwidth is a false belief unless you don’t have a schedule or you’re jammed full.”
To manage your time effectively, consider these tips:
- Inventory Your Time: Assess where you’re spending your time each day.
- Block Time: Use a calendar to block out time for your priorities.
- Eliminate Distractions: Reduce time spent on non-essential activities like social media or TV.
Social Support: Building a Supportive Network
Lastly, social support is crucial for success. Whether it’s friends, family, or a professional community, having a support network can significantly boost your motivation and ability to achieve your goals.
“If you don’t feel that you have the support from your team, friends, family, or spouse, it’s going to be really hard to push the goal forward to get success and momentum.”
I created the Unleashed Potential Experience Community (UPX) for this very reason. It’s a safe, growth-minded environment where members support each other through wins and struggles.
“Join me and others like you, in UPX. It’s exactly why I started the Unleashed Potential Experience Community. We support each other, we share, we celebrate wins, we go through the struggles.”
Practical Steps to Apply These Factors
To make these factors work for you, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Find Your Ignition: Identify what motivates you and use it to kickstart your journey. Dream more!
- Gather Resources: List out the tools, finances, and support you need and start gathering them bit by bit.
- Connect with Your Why: Reflect on why your goal matters to you and how it fulfills you on a personal level.
- Be Patient: Recognize that success takes time and look for small wins along the way.
- Manage Your Time: Take control of your schedule and prioritize your goals.
- Build Your Network: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth and inspire you.
Remember, success isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the journey and the growth you experience along the way. By understanding and applying these five factors, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving your goals.