Don’t “force results” to happen. Set up situations that enable them to be more likely to happen.
A recurring theme in my reading, watching, and life happenstances is that trying to force results is almost always a bad idea. It is better to setup an environment, goal set, and process that best enables results to happen. This doesn’t mean you get less done, it instead should have the opposite effects.
Trying to force results looks like:
- setting results-based action plans
- not responding to resistance
- “pushing through” what shouldn’t be
Enabling results looks like:
- setting effort-based action plans (Fix Time, Flex Scope)
- focusing on the process itself (Right Process ⇒ Right Results)
- responding to resistance, finding new ways
- recognizing when something isn’t working
- being satisfied by setting up the result, whether or not it comes out (Love the Process)
Trying to Force It
Trying to force results leads to:
- Frustration - when you don’t get the result you want
- Dissatisfaction - when you aren’t accomplishing your goals due to external factors
- Accidents & injuries - taking shortcuts, cutting corners, or not listening to what the situation is telling you has lead to broken parts and bulging discs
Enabling it to Happen
Try doing these things more.
- Remove resistance - don’t rely on willpower to stay focused, use contextual reminders (Sharpen the Saw, Tailor Your Environment)
- Prepare for traction - don’t start working haphazardly, have your bladder empty and the tools you need ready (Treat Work Sessions like the Cinema)
- Set internal goals - aim for what cannot be blocked by external factors (External Goals vs Internal Goals)
- Focus on the process - use Checklists, think about what you’re doing as you’re doing it (Right Process ⇒ Right Results)
- Sometimes Cutting Corners is Just a Shortcut - if steps truly don’t add Business Value, just don’t do them!
Source
- My own thinking & linking