Neil Desai

Image by flicksta via Flickr

I recently finished the book From Good to Great which I’ve talked about before and I started reflecting on some of the concepts talked about on how companies went from good companies to great companies. One of the most dramatic things I learned was that it wasn’t a breakthrough moment that caused the dramatic change in the companies but a buildup of momentum day after day. Outsiders saw these companies and looked to monumental changes overnight as an explanation for their success but insiders viewed it as a daily commitment in building momentum. It was through consistent application of progress that they defined their success. Most people have accomplished something in their life that required a daily application of work to succeed. Maybe it was getting through school or pursuing a career but most people have done it. Most people also typically have failed at things that require a lot of self-motivation or where there isn’t someone forcing them to do something. Things such as working out or eating healthier come to mind. These things aren’t as impossible as they seem but you must first build your own momentum. Here’s how to become your own avalanche and tackle everything.

One Step at a Time. Don’t try anything too drastic. Just define your first small step and accomplish it. Then define your second step and accomplish it. The more steps you complete the bigger your steps can get without causing a setback. Eventually, you will be able to make leaps and bounds and it will feel fantastic. However, you must start small to get there. For example, if your biggest goal is to lose weight try going to the gym one day. Don’t overexert yourself because that will make you too sore to want to go back. Just go to the gym. And then go again. And again.

Don’t Think of the Marathon. Only the First Mile. It’s hard not to think about the end of the tunnel. However, the more you think about the end the more you lose sight of what’s in front of you. Focus on the immediate future instead of what’s far ahead. 

Push yourself incrementally. Every day, week, or whatever period of time works for you push yourself even more. Figure out what you’re comfortable with. With the working out example, just push yourself with more weight every time you go out. Don’t make it a ton of extra weight but just a little. And then just keep pushing yourself until you are finally where you want to be.

If you get off the wagon get back on. Some people can never get their avalanche going which means they just need to figure out how to get started. However, some people can never get their avalanche going again once it gets stopped. As soon as you falter and miss a day working out get right back on that wagon. Don’t let another day go by. 

Don’t Listen to Naysayers. There will always be people that say you can’t do something. Ignore them. Use that as motivation. Tell them to stop being negative. Do whatever you have to but just don’t listen to them. Only listen to yourself and those that are supportive around you. You can do anything you want as long as you become your own avalanche.