Do This One Thing to Boost Your Chances of Reaching Your Goal

Quick Overview

The most effective action to boost the chances of reaching a goal, especially for individuals with ADHD, is to stop focusing solely on the goal and instead focus entirely on the process by creating a clear, actionable plan and consistently checking in to adjust that process as needed.

Key Points: Focusing on the process rather than just the end goal is crucial for success, particularly for those with ADHD who struggle with motivation when the goal seems too distant or overwhelming. The speaker recommends a five-step process to build momentum: Write it down, Make a plan, Carve out time, Notice barriers, and Solve barriers. The speaker used the TrainWell app for accountability, which helped her stick to her workouts even when busy, including adapting workouts for when she had her toddler. If progress stalls or feels too slow, it is vital to check in periodically (e.g., weekly or monthly) to evaluate if the current process is still effective for reaching the goal. Adjusting the process might involve adding more training sessions, while adjusting the goal might involve making it less absolute, such as aiming to 'complete' a marathon rather than 'run' it fully. The video emphasizes that setbacks are normal, and continually evaluating the process allows for necessary adjustments, preventing burnout and discouragement.

Context: The video addresses the common struggle of setting goals and failing to achieve them, particularly relating these challenges to the executive function difficulties associated with ADHD, such as inconsistency, distraction, and fatigue. The speaker explains that focusing too intensely on the final outcome can lead to frustration when obstacles arise, suggesting a shift in perspective towards managing the steps required to reach that outcome.

Detailed Analysis

The speaker argues that focusing intensely on a distant goal leads to failure because it ignores the necessary steps and makes setbacks feel devastating, especially for those with ADHD. The actual key to success is focusing on the process itself. The process involves five key steps: Write it down, Make a plan, Carve out time, Notice barriers, and Solve barriers. The speaker demonstrates how the TrainWell app provided her with personalized workout plans that adapted to her life as a new mother, helping maintain consistency and accountability. She stresses that if progress stalls, one must reassess the process or adjust the goal (e.g., aim to 'complete' a marathon rather than 'run' it entirely). The core takeaway is to trust the process, celebrate small wins along the way, and check in periodically to ensure the process is still effective, rather than getting discouraged by the perceived distance to the final objective.