Be outcome focused. If you are interested in how to live, then listen up (I’m writing to myself and my kids here, so please don’t think I am telling you what to do, but you are welcome to listen). Being outcome focused is an important and powerful habit of mind that ties directly into my message from yesterday’s blog where I argued for labeling ourselves as “Creators” instead of “Victims” http://www.the365commitment.com/2019/03/24/day-76-see-challengers-not-persecutors/. Let me explain. Being outcome focused creates a natural engine of motivation that works well with our human nature. This engine has a repeating and natural cycle; once started, it comes to life and generates joy, motivation, meaning, it is fueled and self-sustained by the positive results that we experience!
First, we see or envision an outcome or goal that truly inspires us, something we actually want to see happen, something that is compelling to our minds and spirit, something important and personal that you can do something about. Right now, bring something to mind that fits this description. Take a moment and envision an outcome that you want . . . . Yes! Hold that thought. That weird feeling you experience as you hold this thought? It’s called motivation! The divine creative spirit within you needs a worthy goal to pursue, it (you) needs to create and manifest something good out of the potential around you. It is natural, it is right, you are a creator, not a victim.
Next, take incremental concrete steps toward this outcome. Sound familiar? This is bedrock 365 Commitment methodology here. Our minds will automatically generate positive emotion as we move toward an outcome we desire. Even a small step will produce some measure of good feeling that will fuel your motivation. That incremental step may be difficult, it may even suck. But, each time you take it your psycho/physical/spiritual makeup will register the progress forward and you will get a dose of fuel for your engine. Yes! The engine will fire, and begin turning on its own.
Next, you will be inspired because you are moving toward something that you truly want. That inspiration will help you take the next step, and so on. You are on your way and it feels good. Over time, step by step, things will actually change and you will notice that you are getting closer to the outcome you envisioned! Sometimes you will will flatten out, or experience a setback, simply re-focus on the outcome, re-aim and adjust, and move forward, things are changing. Vision, inspiration, incremental step, inspiration from progress (positive emotion), vision, incremental step, positive change . . . your engine has started! Feels good, is good, you are a creator.
Being outcome oriented is the 365 Commitment way. The opposite of this is being problem oriented. I will write about the pitfalls and marginal utility of being problem oriented tomorrow. For now, decide what is most important for this day, write it down, call on the highest good in the universe to help you (pray or meditate) take an incremental step (or two) toward your goal(s) today, check in again right before you go to sleep. Use the positive emotion derived as fuel, re-focus on your vision for inspiration. Your engine has started and you are on your way. You got this, Godspeed, good luck!
Ben Wagner (84)
Member The 365 Commitment
