Dr. Sean Young’s Stick With It: A Scientifically Proven Process for Changing Your Life-for Good, offers scientifically proven methods to help us stick to the commitments we make to ourselves. His suggestions can be done either solo, or in combination with the others which he maps out.
Last week we discussed setting small and simple goals to achieve each day and/or week to give ourselves better chances of sticking with it. We also discussed celebrating, once we accomplished the small step.
Now, Dr. Young advises joining a community of like-minded people who are trying to accomplish the same thing. The strength of having others encourage you and hold you accountable, gives you a 90% higher chance of achieving your goal than doing it by yourself. We know that building community is important—it’s something that many of us actively seek to do in our lives. But what are we looking for?
First, seek positivity. The last thing you need, is someone putting you down for failing to reach your commitment. Negative feedback deters us all from moving forward.
Second, ensure that at least 15% of the group has accomplished the goal you’re seeking to accomplish. It’s important that some in the group have achieved the level of fitness you are seeking to achieve (or any other goal you have)—otherwise it is easy for everyone to get discouraged and fall back into their normal behavior.
Lastly, after you have been part of a group for a couple of weeks, encourage someone else when you can. Offer to share your story and how you overcame an obstacle to achieve your goal. By doing this you become more invested, your brain releases oxytocin, and as a result you all remain positive. This deepens the bond between you and the other group members in the community. It’s another step in the direction of everyone achieving their goals.
Let’s continue to apply these concepts, and report back! I enjoy receiving emails and feedback from you as you begin to see big changes in your own lives. Putting all the forces in our favor, gives us the best chance for achieving our goals as we work hard towards them. Keep your eye out for next week’s recommendations!
Sincerely,
Donny Mateaki
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