Set transformative goals.
Saying "I run because I love sports" yields different results than "I run to lose 5 kg." The former relies on your self-image, the latter on external rewards. When the reward fades, so does the motivation.
Studies show that goals tied to identity activate stronger motivational circuits in the brain than those focused on external outcomes. This creates a sense of reward and improves self-control, fostering persistence for long-term objectives.
When encouraged to "dream big," don't just think of a higher salary. Think of a better, more capable you, a better version of yourself, living a fuller and richer life.
Start with the end in mind.
High achievers share a secret: they work backward from their ultimate goal to chart their current path. They ask, "What do I need to achieve in a year?" Then, "What about in six months? Next week? Today?" Each step is a stair, and you can start climbing now.
By breaking down transformative goals into intermediate steps, high performers eliminate distractions, waste, and errors. They know precisely how today's actions contribute to tomorrow's milestones.
Psychologist Peter Gollwitzer's 1999 study found that "if-then" planning puts our brains on autopilot, increasing the likelihood of following through on everything from exercise to studying.
Choose tasks based on value.
The Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule), developed by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, suggests that a small portion of effort often generates the majority of results. Economists have demonstrated this across various fields for over a century. Renowned CEOs like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg also applied this principle.
Successful individuals, once they've identified their major goals and mapped out the path, prioritize effectively. They concentrate on high-value tasks that directly contribute to their objectives. This often means setting aside urgent or easy tasks to prioritize what truly matters.
This doesn't necessarily mean tackling the hardest task first thing in the morning. The key is to structure your day so that important, high-impact tasks always take precedence.
Thuy Linh (*Psychology Today*)
