Forget goal-setting. Do this instead.
It's an honor to help people reach their goals for a living. Goal-setting is a lot easier though than goal-reaching. Still, I see my clients blow past goals all the time, but what really excites both of us is when they become someone they never thought they could be. Creating lasting order is a process of transforming the person, not just the space. It's especially fulfilling when clients tell me that someone they love has noticed their transformation. Years ago an online coaching client shared this with me a while after we finished:
"I heard my husband tell a friend of mine, 'You know, it took her 10 years [of our being together] to finally put something where it belongs'."
She didn't just reach her goal of becoming organized. Even better - she became the kind of person who puts things where they belong.
Recently I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, the Dr. John Delony Show when he (a double PhD and mental health expert) told a caller:
"Goals that stick are tied to an identity. Who are you going to be?... I'm actually becoming less and less and less a fan of goals. I'm way more a fan of identity."- Dr. John Delony
This is so useful for people who want to be more organized!
Instead of telling yourself you're going to organize for an hour a day or fill your shredder every week, tell yourself what kind of person you are becoming.:
I'm a person who finishes what I start.
I'm a person who keeps the promises I make to myself.
I'm a person who has friends over.
I'm a person who is content with what I have.
I'm a person who accomplishes things even when I'm not motivated.
I'm a person who is highly selective about what I bring into my home.I'm a person who is decisive about where things go.
I'm a person who always has a clear floor.
I'm a person who lets go easily.
What actions do you have to take every day for your new identity to be true? Do you see how this can work as soon as today!? Repeating your new identity to yourself will help reveal the big and small steps towards becoming that person. You'll be your own best coach.
Watch the Dr. John Delony episode that I reference above here. It's all cued up for you, starting with the rant on identity.
What type of person are you becoming? Please share in the comments.
If you need help becoming the type of person you aspire to be, let's work together. Since 2001 I've helped people transform into calmer, more focused, more organized versions of themself. Click here to work with me online or in-person.
