Just the Right Amount of Pressure

by | | Goal Setting, Personal Mastery

It’s important to measure success. It’s crucial to have B.I.G. goals.

There’s a good chance you’ll fail at both.

Unless of course you learn how to embrace the right amount of pressure.

Check out the following model:chalk

  • The Y axis is your SUCCESS line. It goes from Low to High. High is probably what you want.
  • The X axis is your PAIN line. It goes from Low to High as well.
  • Your level of PAIN has a direct correlation to the amount of SUCCESS you’ll achieve. If you notice, the SUCCESS curve is much like t that dreaded bell curve.

Here’s how to interpret:

  1. Not enough PAIN results in apathy. You just get lazy and don’t care anymore. Consider someone at work who is “Looking to retire in 3 years, 4 months, 3 days, and 7 hours.” At that point, they probably aren’t willing to take any risks or new challenges. We might say they’re “Retired in Place” or they’ve come to “Work to Die.” Kind of a sad way to wind up a career.
  2. Too much PAIN results in lethargy. The challenge is so great that it’s paralyzing. You’d like to try something new but you don’t have the energy anymore. You’re overwhelmed to the point of paralysis. At this point you’ll never climb that X axis. It’s a tough way to live life.
  3. BUT, the right amount of PAIN gets us moving forward. It’s enough to motivate us do something, but not so much that we’re paralyzed. It’s like touching a hot stove. It’s going to sting but not to the point of us fearing cooked food. We simply learn to respect it, and then leverage its ability to help us prepare an amazing dish.

How do I implement enough PAIN in my life? Here are some suggestions:

  • If your B.A.G. is to complete a marathon, schedule one in another city and book non-refundable plane tickets.
  • If your B.A.G. is to start a business, pay for the LLC, spend the money on a website and business cards, and start telling your friends you’re officially open for business on a date in the near future.
  • If your B.A.G. is to get into your Speedo, then….well forget that one. There’s never a good reason to wear a Speedo.

Think of it like when you put your thumb on the end of the garden hose. With the right amount of pressure, you focus the water flow. Enough to water your plants but not enough to spray your face by accident.

All of us need some PAIN. Just be sure to give yourself the RIGHT amount. It’s the key to turning B.I.G. goals into BIG reality!