People Power

Week 2 of January and the snow flurry of goal setting and lofty aims for the year is already getting a little slushy. Life is not friction free and the resolve for change and achievement is easily challenged. Day 2 of my January triathlon training schedule was derailed by a toddlerteethingnosleephorrornight, my failure to go running made all the more guilt-inducing as ‘consistency’ was one of my key words for the year. Whoops. 

But there is one thing I know for sure: relying on will-power and resolve alone is a whole lot of pressure. When the power of the mind is drooping like a melting snowman’s nose, you might enlist people to get it straight again. People who back you and people who want the same things as you - even better, people who have already achieved what you want and know it’s possible. Think aspiration, skills, knowledge, mindset, connections.

So if your resolution resolve is already a little slushy, get out and find the following:

People who are experts in your field

Let’s talk about me again. I’ve been banging on about doing a triathlon for years but never actually commit. To make sure I do, I sought out help and signed up for an ‘intro to triathlons’ session with a local hot shot triathlete. Now I’m one step closer to committing, in a way which is a little less scary. Did I need this to do a race? No. Is it going to help? Yes. 

People who spur you on

Next I found a friend to also sign up. Any fears we have we can share but ultimately we have each other's hands to hold - and make sure we’re accountable. Like a coach but free. Win. How to find the right person/people for this? Knowing how you are motivated matters. I need gush and all the positive vibes. Others are more about tough love. Is the snowman’s nose a carrot or a stick? Most importantly make sure they really believe in you and your goals, and are not flaky or naysayey*. It’s all about energy and determination and giving no room for collective wriggling out of it. With this person by your side, you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the end result, and therefore be more likely to continue after the event.

Social norms matter

Join a club with the right culture, atmosphere and values. And who meet at a time that is as frictionless as possible, otherwise you won't go. 

Big Inspiration

While I might berate my husband for spending hours in the bathroom sneakily watching sports on YouTube, I think he may be onto something. The wonder of the web is that you have access to experts telling you how to do it. You don’t necessarily have to pay anything or even find time to read a whole book. Just find someone you find inspiring and see what they say and do. If their values/image/voice/opinions/style doesn’t resonate with you and your values, keep looking. 

So whatever you’re working on, do it with like-minded, encouraging folks with great energy - and get rid of negative, dismissive people. Never forget, who you have in your world matters for success so take some time to clean up. 

*Don’t worry, I am aware this is not a real word but I think you will admit that it works here, no?