In the realm of goal setting, it’s not uncommon for us all to share similar aspirations. But what differentiates those who achieve their goals from those who don’t? Alex Hormozi offers a unique perspective: it’s not the goals themselves, but our approach towards achieving them that truly counts.
So, let’s delve into this fresh take on goal setting, where the journey takes center stage over the destination.
Winners and Losers Have the Same Goals
Ever notice that people aiming for success, and those falling short of it, often share the same aspirations? It’s a perplexing concept that Alex Hormozi brings to light. Imagine two athletes, for example, both with the same aim – to win a race. One does, the other doesn’t. Their goals were identical, but the outcomes were vastly different. Why is that?
Hormozi suggests that the key lies not in the goals themselves but in the approach taken towards them. In other words, simply having a goal isn’t enough. It’s like wanting to visit a new city without mapping the route or booking the tickets. The desire is there, but without action, it remains just that – a desire.
So next time you set a goal, ask yourself this: Are you merely dreaming of the destination, or
are you also taking concrete steps to get there? The difference may well determine whether you join the ranks of the winners or the losers.
Looking at Success through a New Lens
Are you familiar with the concept of ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ or ‘What Would [Your Role Model] Do?’ If you are, then you’re already somewhat acquainted with the nugget of wisdom Alex Hormozi presents. Hormozi’s trick to setting goals isn’t about elaborate planning or following an arduous step-by-step process. Instead, it’s as simple as asking yourself, “What would a person who does this type of thing do in this instance?”
Replacing Obsession with Action
This approach, according to Hormozi, takes the obsession away from the goal itself and places it on the actions that lead to that goal. Let’s say you aspire to become a successful writer. Instead of fixating on the end result – getting your book published – ask yourself, “What would a successful writer do in this situation?” They might dedicate a few hours each day to hone their craft, seek feedback, or research publishers. By focusing on these actions, you naturally move closer to your ultimate goal.
A Simplified Route to Your Goals
This ‘role model’ hack simplifies the process of goal setting. It frees you from the pressures of intricate planning and allows for an intuitive, flexible approach. As you act like the person who achieves your desired goals, you’ll likely find that you’re not just moving towards your goals but living them, one day at a time. So, the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, don’t just focus on the end goal, but ask, “What would a person who achieves this goal do now?” The answer might surprise you.
Unpacking the Power of Self-Reminder
Consider this: is the information you need to achieve your goals really outside of you, or is it tucked away in some corner of your mind, patiently waiting for you to remember it? According to Hormozi, the latter is often true. He challenges the common notion that we need to continuously learn new things to attain our goals. Instead, he suggests that “We need to be reminded more than we need to be taught.”
The Unexplored Archives of Knowledge
You’ve probably gathered a wealth of knowledge and insights over the years, through personal experiences, education, or observations. But amidst the hustle and bustle of life, some of this wisdom might have faded into the background. Hormozi’s perspective invites you to look within and dust off this forgotten knowledge.
The Impactful Echoes of Self-Reminder
The power of self-reminder is potent. It allows you to take what you already know and apply it in your journey toward your goals. Say you’re aiming for better physical fitness. Deep down, you already know the importance of regular exercise and a balanced diet, don’t you? It’s about reminding yourself of this and implementing what you know.
By frequently reminding yourself of your inherent wisdom, you may find that the path to your goals becomes clearer and more navigable. The ‘teachings’ you need may have been with you all along, nestled within your own understanding and experiences.
Scaling Goals: From Billionaire Aspirations to Achievable Steps
Are you dreaming of a billion-dollar success story but unsure where to begin? Don’t worry. Hormozi has a simple yet powerful approach for that. He suggests scaling down the goal. If the path of a billionaire seems too daunting or ambiguous, consider the trajectory of a millionaire instead.
Mapping Out the Millionaire’s Journey
Start by asking yourself: What would a millionaire do? What steps did they likely take to amass their wealth? This doesn’t mean you’re downgrading your aspirations. Instead, you’re creating a roadmap that’s relatable and manageable. By understanding and emulating the actions of a millionaire, you’re effectively constructing a pathway that leads towards the billion-dollar mark.
A Journey of Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step
Yet, for some, the leap from where they are to millionaire status might still seem too vast. If this resonates with you, scale it down even further. What would someone who is striving to become a millionaire do? They might save a certain amount of their income, invest wisely, or start a side business. These are all tangible, actionable steps you can take right now.
The Incremental Path to Success
This approach breaks down your colossal goal into smaller, more achievable milestones. It gives you a sense of direction and allows you to celebrate small victories along the way. This, in turn, keeps your motivation stoked, making the overall journey towards your goal feel less like a burdensome hike and more like a rewarding trek with a beautiful view at every stage.
Understanding Inaction: Unraveling the Reasons We Fail to Act
Before we can tackle the hurdle of inaction, we must first understand its roots. Alex Hormozi suggests that comprehending why we sometimes stall in our tracks is a critical step toward achieving our goals. Rather than hunting for a magical secret to success, understanding the causes of our inertia can provide the insight we need to progress.
Recognizing Your Barriers
Consider the times you’ve found yourself not taking necessary steps towards your goals. What stood in your way? Was it a fear of failure, a lack of resources, or the daunting size of the task at hand? By identifying these barriers, you create the opportunity to address them directly.
Transforming Barriers into Stepping Stones
Once you’ve pinpointed the reasons for your inaction, it’s time to strategize ways to overcome them. Fear of failure, for example, can be mitigated by reframing your perspective on mistakes – viewing them as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. A lack of resources might inspire creativity or prompt you to seek partnerships and collaborations.
Embracing Action as Your Ally
Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and every step, no matter how small, is a move in the right direction. Unraveling the causes of inaction and replacing them with a proactive approach will not only bring you closer to your goals but also enrich your personal growth journey. Remember, it’s not the absence of barriers but your response to them that sets you on the path to success.
The Power of Identity: It’s About Who You Are, Not Just What You Achieve
Alex Hormozi wants us to consider a fundamental shift in our perspective on success. He believes that the focus shouldn’t be solely on achieving our desired outcomes, but on molding our identities to align with those goals. The way we act, the choices we make, all cast votes towards the kind of person we are becoming.
The Link Between Actions and Identity
Every action you take is a reflection of who you are and who you aspire to become. If your goal is to be a successful writer, ask yourself, what actions does a successful writer take? Do they write every day, research extensively, engage with their readership? By adopting these behaviors, you’re not just working towards a goal—you’re nurturing an identity.
Internalizing the Identity
Over time, as you consistently perform these actions, they start to become part of who you are. Your identity begins to align with your actions. This alignment isn’t about pretense or imitation; it’s about genuine transformation. You’re not pretending to be a successful writer; you’re becoming one through your actions.
Your Actions: A Mirror of Your Identity
Hormozi’s view underscores the power of actions not just as steps towards a goal, but as reflections of our evolving identities. Each action becomes a testament to who you are, marking your progress towards becoming the person you wish to be. So, consider every action you take as a chance to vote for the person you aspire to become. Will your actions today get you closer to who you want to be tomorrow?
Committing to Activities Instead of Goals: A Shift in Focus
Alex invites us to consider a different approach to achieving our goals. He proposes that instead of obsessing over the end-goal, we shift our attention to the activities that lead to the goal. This way, the focus becomes more about cultivating an identity that naturally leads to success.
The Role of Activities in Goal Achievement
What activities would a successful person in your field engage in daily? For a writer, it might be writing a certain number of words each day. For a runner, it could be running a specific distance or time. The key is to identify these goal-oriented activities and commit to them. This commitment will likely lead you closer to your goal than merely fixating on the goal itself.
An Identity-Based Approach
The magic of this approach is that by committing to these activities, you’re not just moving towards your goal, but also cultivating a new identity. You’re becoming the type of person who does these activities regularly. You’re transitioning from someone who wants to write a book to someone who writes every day.
Embracing the Process
In this approach, the journey towards the goal becomes just as important as the goal itself. The process becomes a transformative experience, shaping your identity in line with your ambitions. By focusing on activities, you allow yourself to enjoy the process, celebrate small victories, and build momentum towards your goal.
Sowing the Seeds of Success
Hormozi’s advice encourages us to think less about the destination and more about the journey. Instead of solely focusing on achieving our goals, we ought to invest our time and energy in the activities that align with those goals. This mindset not only brings us closer to our aspirations but also fosters an identity conducive to ongoing success.